
Cl;iss 3/ 773 5- 



PRESENTED BY 



SELECTIONS 



rrom the 



Diary and Correspondence 



or 



Joseph S. Elkinton 

1830-1905 

Printed for private distribution 



Philadelphia 

1913 



^# 



Any correspondence in relation to this book 

should be addressed to 

WILLIAM T. ELKINTON 

121 South Third Street, Philadelphia 




iJo-O . CJtfe C'V\X5r 



*r*w 



Press of 

The Leeds & Biddle Co. 

Philadelphia 



TO 

MALINDA ELKINTON 

THIS BOOK IS INSCRIBED TO HER 
WHO WAS SO LOYALLY AND AF- 
FECTIONATELY MENTIONED IN ITS 
PAGES AS 

"MY MALINDA" 

NOW, IN THE FULLEST MEASURE OF 
LOVE AND APPRECIATION, THIS OF- 
FERING COMES FROM THOSE WHO 
CALL HER 

" MOTHER " 



FOREWORD 

Joseph S. Elkinton left a large amount of valuable 
material in his private diary, containing also much de- 
tailed and personal matter, a part of which was not 
copied in his time, hence the papers were not in such 
shape as to be easily accessible to any who might wish 
to read them. 

Both the copied and original manuscripts have been 
carefully examined and an attempt made to cull from 
the bulk the most important and interesting items. Some 
of the selections may not seem particularly valuable, but 
were chosen to serve as connecting links in making a 
continuous narrative, or to show some personal charac- 
teristic of the man, or to give an insight to his varied 
experiences. This service has been undertaken in accord- 
ance with an expressed willingness, on his part, that 
others might profit by his experiences, and also as an 
offering to his memory. M. C. L. B. 



INTRODUCTION 

In reviewing the life of Joseph S. Elkinton, several 
characteristics come vividly to mind. A rare pastoral 
gift, coupled with universal sympathy for the poor and 
needy, stands out pre-eminently. The Scripture text, 
which he most frequently quoted, was "True religion and 
undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the 
fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep 
himself unspotted from the world." The appropriateness 
of this quotation will appear in the pages to which this is 
an introduction. 

His sense of humor and ability to adapt himself to all 
classes of men gave him many opportunities for social 
intercourse. 

We remember how highly he was esteemed by the men 
who were in his employ. No one ever entered the works, 
with which he was connected as owner for a half century, 
who commanded more sincere respect, unless it were his 
brother-in-law, Ephraim Smith. 

As he attracted to himself those of "low estate," so 
also his personality was felt by men of position and 
culture. When he walked the street his distinctively 
Friendly dress and grave but kindly face often drew to 
him many who were strangers. He stood five feet ten 
inches, with broad, slightly stooping shoulders. Upon 

vii 



viii INTRODUCTION 

his white brow he wore a light, broad-brimmed beaver 
or brown straw hat in summer, and a black, stiff, silk hat 
in winter. 

As he sat at the head of the meeting for worship his 
appearance was impressive, his prayers particularly- 
weighty, and his worshipful manner gave a sense of 
strength and solidity. 

In his ministry his main concern was always to preach 
the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ and to testify to 
his deity. Sometimes his thoughts seemed to come faster 
than his words, and his words became too rapid for dis- 
tinct enunciation, but they were accompanied by a sol- 
emnizing power not easily described. 

His ability to time the conclusion of a meeting, while 
the life was still to be felt, was unusual ; some of his best 
utterances have been made when announcing the end of 
a meeting for worship, preparatory to entering upon the 
business of a second meeting. 

His native powers of mind were quite above the aver- 
age. As a mathematical student he stood at the head of 
his class. His attitude toward education in general was 
liberal. 

Few, in his circle of Friends, could meet with people of 
other denominations and convey more truly appreciation 
of what they recognized to be good in all. 

His experience at Westtown Boarding School was 
rather unfortunate; then scarcely in his teens, he was 
too young to contend with the bad example of older boys 



INTRODUCTION ix 

and the strong natural impulses of his own heart, un- 
assisted by close parental oversight. He referred to this 
situation later in life, as the one error in his father's 
judgment, for which he had suffered many regrets, 
although he appreciated the motive which prompted his 
parents to place him there so young. By returning to 
Westtown at fifteen, to demonstrate a better purpose in 
life, he gave evidence of a radical change. The education 
and life-long associations he enjoyed with Friends, 
together with his own strong convictions determined the 
sphere of his chief interest and activities, as also his 
spiritual point of view. 

Possessed of a vigorous constitution and an equally 
strong will he performed an enormous amount of labor, 
physical, mental and spiritual, during sixty years of active 
life. It has been remarked, by more than one, that he 
would have made an ideal military leader, or an Arch- 
bishop, had he not enlisted under another banner. 

As he grew to manhood, the responsibilities of a family, 
a growing business and the call he felt to speak in the 
name of his Lord, gave him many opportunities to 
develop his character and to test his faith. 

The group of Friends, with whom his father was most 
intimate, were of the conservative type and his sympa- 
thies were ever closely allied with these. Thus in the 
sixties, when the tension was greatest in Philadelphia 
Yearly Meeting, we find him standing firmly for con- 
servatism. But that heart-sympathy, which infinitely 



x INTRODUCTION 

transcends all the opinions and preferences of the mind, 
enabled him to associate graciously with Friends and 
others, of every type. And thus he anticipated "the 
better day" and world-wide movement toward unity, 
which so happily characterizes the new century. 

His interest in the Indians was very natural and strong, 
as he was born at Tunesassa, N. Y., adjoining the Alle- 
gheny Reservation, where his father had devoted fifteen 
years of his life to the establishment of a school for the 
children of the Seneca Nation. His repeated visits to 
these and other Indian tribes is recorded, at some length, 
in the memoirs which he has left. 

The love he felt for the red man and the black man 
brought him into contact with the leaders of both races. 
The colored bishops were always glad to have him in their 
councils. He visited the victims of a terrible storm on 
the Sea Islands of South Carolina, to render what assist- 
ance he could to the colored survivors. But humanity 
appealed to him whenever in need, as his arduous labors 
in behalf of the Doukhobors abundantly illustrate. 

Four times he visited these Russian peasants in their 
Canadian settlements, after he was seventy years of age. 
To go from village to village and from house to house, 
traveling hundreds of miles over the open prairie in order 
to comfort those to whom he could not speak in their 
native language, extending sympathy and encouragement 
as well as distributing food and clothing, is very typical of 
his lifework. The Canadian officials valued his services 



INTRODUCTION xi 

enough to send for him more than once, when they could 
not manage these difficult immigrants. 

Joseph S. Elkinton was a man of undaunted courage 
and great perseverance, with clear convictions. An in- 
stance of this appears during his visit with Joseph Walton 
to the St. Regis Indians living on the Islands of the St. 
Lawrence River. They braved the opposition of the 
Roman Catholics, as well as the dangerous ice and waters 
of the St. Lawrence to hold meetings among these Indians 
in their houses. And when the conviction prompted them 
to leave the field of their labors, at once they acted no 
less resolutely — crossing the fresh ice on foot — a very 
perilous undertaking. Their guide, a fine Indian chief 
and Methodist minister of middle life, was poisoned 
the same day, upon returning home, the act, as far as 
could be traced, of religious jealousy. 

His visit to the anthracite coal miners in Pennsylvania, 
both in their homes and in the mines, shortly before his 
death, indicates his attitude toward the toilers. He be- 
lieved it far better to show to them sympathy than to 
reduce their wages or deal inconsiderately with them. 

He was not a Socialist, yet the human instinct brought 
him always into feeling for those who did the work of 
the world. 

The perspective which time gives is invaluable in form- 
ing a just estimate of any life. Some features of our 
beloved father's character always confirm the view that 
whatever weaknesses and mistakes in judgment may beset 



xii INTRODUCTION 

a man, if his chief desire is for the growth of the im- 
mortal part, that desire will be blessed both to himself 
and to his children. This has been abundantly realized, 
as we recall how, above every physical and social enjoy- 
ment, he was concerned for our spiritual welfare. We 
accompanied him on some of his religious and other 
visits and could feel the earnest solicitude of his fatherly 
spirit. 

His faith in divine guidance and preservation will 
ever remain to be his distinguishing trait. 

He was marvelously preserved on many occasions from 
physical injury, if not death, and his gratitude for innu- 
merable mercies, both inward and outward, found ex- 
pression to the very end of his days. 

He laid great emphasis upon spiritual "eye-sight," and 
would frequently retire to get inward illumination when- 
ever he was about to perform any religious service. 

The noble stand he took in defence of our Christian 
testimony for peace at the time of the Civil War put 
him in the forefront of the greatest movement of modern 
times, and frequently one would detect in his mental and 
spiritual attitude that which linked him closely with the 
universal progress of mankind. 

The principles and testimonies of the Society of 
Friends were very precious to him and he wished to 
recommend them to all men. 

He held several series of appointed meetings, in com- 
pany with Jonathan E. Rhoads and Zebedee Haines, with 



INTRODUCTION xiii 

whom he had the closest fellowship. These covered a 
large section of Xew Jersey and Delaware, Western 
Canada and Nova Scotia. The New England States, 
New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Iowa were also 
visited under religious concern. It is a part of the history 
of the case, and perhaps fair to J. S. E., to state that in 
all his travels on religious service he bore his own ex- 
penses. 

In reading over the records of these extended labors it 
was thought best to present them as nearly as possible in 
their original form, as they express his unique personality 
better than any revision or interpretation could. They 
contain a considerable range of experience, depicted in 
language peculiarly his own, and the extracts are pre- 
sented in nearly their chronological order. 

This volume is the tribute of appreciation which his 
children would pay to the work which he did in his day, 
believing a man should be judged not so much by his 
failures as by his motives and successes, or, in the words 
of Marcus Aurelius, "The true worth of a man is to be 
measured by the objects he pursues." He was wont to 
refer to a memorandum of John Woolman, made shortly 
before he sailed on his last voyage, that He who had so 
mercifully visited him in his youth, sustained and guided 
him through his manhood, in the midst of many tempta- 
tions and sore trials, graciously delivering him from 
grievous entanglements, was still his strength and merci- 
ful Saviour. 



xiv INTRODUCTION 

Thus having served his generation, according to his 
ability, he was gathered into that rest which ever remain- 
eth for those who have sincerely sought to fulfill the 
Divine will. 

He recalls Whittier's description of 'The Quaker of 
the Olden Time:" 

"With that deep insight which detects 

All great things in the small, 
And knows how each man's life affects 

The spiritual life of all, 
He walked by faith and not by sight, 

By love and not by law ; 
The presence of the wrong or right 

He rather felt than saw." 



Moylan, Pa. 
Fourth month, 1913. 



J. E. 



CONTENTS 



Chapter 

I. Boyhood and Youth 

II. Early Manhood 

III. Beginning of Ministerial Services 

IV. Special Providences 
V. European Trip .... 

VI. Visit to Seneca Indians 

VII. Religious Visits in Pennsylvania and New York 

VIII. Various Visits to Indians and Elsewhere 

IX. Visit to Mennontte Community, Etc. . 

X. Gospel Labors Among White and Colored People 

XI. Relief Work on Sea Islands 

XII. Religious Services in Philadelphia and Vicinity 

XIII. Doukhobor Migration .... 

XIV. Service Among the Doukhobors, Continued 

XV. Visit to Indians in New York, New England 
and Nova Scotia ..... 

XVI. Visit to Miners in Pennsylvania . 

XVII. Closing Months, Death and Burial 



Page 

16 

59 
109 
128 
156 
179 
199 

235 
259 
293 

3 2 7 
383 
421 

446 

474 
488 



JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 

CHAPTER I. 
Boyhood and Youth. 

I was born at Tunesassa, N. Y., on the 27th of Fourth 
month, 1830; oldest child of Joseph and Mary (Nutt) 
Elkinton. My father, after a period of about fifteen 
years among the Indians, felt excused from further serv- 
ice, and returned to Philadelphia with his family when 
I was less than one year old. 

When very young in life I was made sensible of the 
influence of the Holy Spirit. I can remember one eve- 
ning when, probably not over five or six years of age, 
having been brought to tears and under great concern 
because of a sense that all was not right between me and 
my Heavenly Father, although no special sin was par- 
ticularly before me, but there was a conviction that my 
heart was not good. This came upon me when I was 
alone and I wept much. In my distress I disclosed my 
feelings to my father, who entered into sympathy with me 
and I believe he secretly rejoiced that I was thus brought 
under religious exercise on my own account. He gave 
suitable counsel, desiring I should give place to such feel- 
ings and there was great comfort in what he said, 
encouraging me to hope in the mercy of Him who forgave 
those who repented and were concerned to mind the Good 
Spirit. 

1 



2 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1833 

Whilst, however, this precious visitation had its influ- 
ence, yet I paid too little heed to it and fell into many- 
errors, bringing cause for condemnation; the example 
of other children, who too much disregarded the reproofs 
of instruction, had the effect to draw more or less into 
like practices with them, yet at seasons when reasoned 
and plead with, by my religious parents and friends, I 
would be brought into tenderness of feeling. Amidst all 
that befell I cannot say I was wholly left to myself, and 
there was a love in my heart for good people. I was 
sent to school very young — at the age of three years — and 
I have no remembrance where it was, but the second 
school I attended was that taught by Esther A. Ellis, a 
Friend, who in early life joined the Society by convince- 
ment and became a valuable member, occupying the 
stations of Overseer and Elder later in life. She taught 
the Corporation School for about forty years, on Pine 
street below Second, adjoining the old Pine Street Meet- 
ing House. After being awhile at that school and before 
I was six years old, I was sent to what was called the 
Infant School, which was a primary department (if I 
understand the matter rightly) of Friends' Select School, 
or at least it was conducted in the same building as the 
Girls' Select School on St. James street, between Sixth 
and Seventh streets, above Market. This Infant Depart- 
ment was taught at that time by Sarah Thompson, who 
afterward married Smith Upton, of New York State. She 
had an excellent record as a teacher, and I was told she 



Age 5 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 3 

undertook the charge of the infant class under a sense 
of religious duty, and whatever may be questioned of the 
policy of sending children to school so young as some 
of these children were, there can be no doubt that the 
influence she exerted over their tender minds was greatly 
blessed. My cousin, Mary Woodward (afterward 
Wood), who had come to make her home with us at 
the age of sixteen, accompanied me to school, she 
attending the Select School for Girls. Although my 
continuance there could not have been very long, yet 
my impressions of it are very pleasant, and the remem- 
brance of the pains taken for our improvement have 
continued with me. The distance to this school being 
considered too far from my father's residence (about 
one and a half miles), I was returned to the school under 
the charge of Esther A. Ellis, on Pine street, for a time. 
In the early part of 1837 (when seven years of age) I 
went to the primary department of Friends' Select School 
for Boys, then located in rooms in the Orange Street 
Meeting House, and taught by Samuel Allen, and where 
I continued to go for two years. During part of the time 
I attended this school I had the privilege of taking my 
dinners at Stephen Morris', who then lived at the corner 
of Eighth and Spruce streets, and whose wife, Rachel 
Morris, was very kind and exerted a religious influence 
over me. I remember her reading some little books, one 
at a time, as I would be seated at her side at noon time, 
and after perhaps a dozen had been thus read she pre- 



4 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1838 

sented them to me, which I highly prized as a gift from 
a dear friend. She did not live long after, and my 
impressions of the feeling when taken to her funeral by 
my father are still vivid. 

Notwithstanding I was blessed with godly parents and 
religious friends, I fell into divers errors and entangle- 
ments, making work for repentance and causing grief to 
my parents. The influence of the boys on the street, 
with whom I mingled on my way to and from school, 
and of some of the men in my father's employ, was not 
very beneficial, but I believe my dear father and mother 
did the best they could under the circumstances in which 
they were placed, to preserve their children from evil 
associations. Children are in the world and are to be 
brought up in the world, but the more care that is taken 
to preserve their morals the less bitterness will be felt 
on the part of the children, and such care, coupled with 
intercession, is likely to be blessed. 

When my brother Thomas was a little more than a 
year old he met with a serious accident ; — a maid who had 
him in charge let him fall, his back striking the side board 
of the trundle bed, and she, falling on top of him, caused 
him great suffering. The full extent of the injury was 
not known until some time after, when it was discovered 
that his spine had been dislocated. For years he was a 
cripple and a patient sufferer, and there was great solici- 
tude on his account. At twelve years of age he was still 
very much deformed, but a physician was consulted about 



Age 9 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 5 

this time who was remarkably successful in his treatment, 
and my dear brother's back was straightened and he 
become a very useful man. 

At nine years of age I went to Westtown, my father 
taking me in a two-wheeled vehicle, called in those days 
a chair, afterwards designated as a gig. I was very 
young to leave home, but as father had some building in 
progress, it was thought I was in danger of getting hurt 
among the men and building operations, for on one 
occasion I was struck by the crank of a windless as it 
was lowering some material in the well. And another 
reason was the intimacy existing between the superin- 
tendents, Xathan Sharpless and his wife, and my parents, 
which I have no doubt made it easier to place me under 
their charge, with the hope they would look after me 
and make frequent reports. I also had an aunt in the 
employ of the institution. From an intellectual point of 
view I consider the school was a great advantage to me; 
still, proneness of the heart to evil led me into associa- 
tions that were unprofitable and into practices that gave 
me trouble, yet I can well remember seasons of tender- 
ness, and on penning these things long after they trans- 
pired my spirit is humbled and tendered under a sense 
of the compassion of my Heavenly Father in bringing me 
from time to time under a right conviction. Upon one 
occasion, when not considered well enough to attend 
meeting, and knowing that Elizabeth Evans was present, 
I managed to get a seat on the stairway and hear her 



6 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1840 

communications, which brought me to contritition of 
spirit. It always pleased me when any of the Committee 
visited the school or other Friends acquainted with my 
father's family would give me a kind salutation. There 
is great service in older Friends who have seen life's 
battles, taking the children by the hand as they find 
opportunity and using their leisure to converse with 
them. At the close of the term, during which I had been 
particularly unsatisfactory in deportment, my father came 
after me and on the way home inquired how it had been 
with me, and learning that all had not been well, he was 
sorely grieved, both of us shedding some tears; but he 
was patient and loving, and said he took some consolation 
in the fact that I was penitent. His attitude had a very 
softening effect upon my mind and also on subsequent 
occasions when he pleaded and reasoned with me. But the 
force of temptation was great, although I did try to do 
better during the winter of 1840 and 1841, yet I had 
divers difficulties. Then it was decided, through a wise 
conclusion of my parents, that I was to be educated 
nearer home. I will not omit to state, however, that 
impressions made upon my mind in some of the meetings 
and evening collections at Westtown were not wholly 
dispelled. Sarah Emlen was occasionally engaged in the 
ministry, and her husband, James Emlen, was a righteous 
man and was one of our teachers. His example and 
purity of conversation were a blessing to the institution. 
Joseph Walton was one who showed me marked kindness, 



Age 11 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 7 

and I could unfold to him more of my troubles and 
temptations than to any other teacher. A friendship 
ripened with him that has been greatly blessed to me 
through life; he has ever proved himself true, faithful 
and very helpful. Many others also of my fellow-school- 
mates have made useful members of community and of 
our religious Society, and my intercourse with them has 
been of a very pleasant character.* 

Among those who frequented my father's house in my 
boyhood were the following : Robert Scotton, with whom 
my father was associated at Tunesassa, and who after- 
ward remained a most intimate and lifelong friend of the 
family. He took especial interest in my welfare, as father 
had given me the middle name of Scotton. Robert Scot- 
ton was a deeply experienced minister ; he frequently 
came to the city from his residence in Frankford and 
stayed several days at my father's, and during the latter 
part of his life spent much of his time with us. William 
Hilles was another very much beloved friend of my 



♦When about fifteen years of age, J. S. E. became so uneasy 
with his record while at Westtown that he expressed a desire 
to return for a term to redeem his reputation by pursuing his 
studies and conducting himself in a manner more satisfactory 
to his friends and his own conscience. This desire was granted 
and the result was a great comfort to him in after years. 

In spite of all vicissitudes he evidently, during those early 
years, made rapid progress in his studies, especially mathematics, 
for at the age of eleven he had mastered the first five books of 
geometry, and a most wonderful memory was developed, useful 
later in business, when he could carry many numbers of weight 
and tare correctlv in his mind without aid of memoranda. 



8 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1848 

father. Ebenezer Worth, of whom I believe it may be 
justly said, "he was a man of God," also favored us with 
his company whenever in the city. Enos and Hannah 
Sharpless were among the intimate friends of my parents, 
and their residence near Chester was a place of occasional 
resort for us. My brother Thomas married their daugh- 
ter Rebecca in 1863. Mary Kite was one whose sympathy 
and friendship were highly prized. Moses Bailey and 
his son Richard homed with us at Yearly Meeting time, 
as also did Jabez Thompson and his two sisters. Samuel 
and Ann Cope, the one an able minister of the Gospel 
and defender of the Faith, the other a faithful elder, 
were frequent guests and both well beloved. Many other 
Friends were hospitably entertained, for my father's 
house was always open to guests, whether personal 
friends or strangers from afar. 

First month p, 1848. This evening whilst we were all 
collected in the sitting room father spoke to us, com- 
mencing with: "I can truly say I do earnestly desire the 
prosperity of Zion and the enlargement of her borders, 
and the most likely way for this to be effected is for the 
children to bend their necks to the yoke" ; and he could 
say with the apostle he had no greater joy than to see 
the children walking in the Truth. He said much more, 
encouraging us to faithfulness. 

Eleventh month 19. Meetings are to be held in the 
Arch Street Meeting House on First-day evenings during 
the winter of 1848 and 1849. 



Age 19 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 9 

First month 8, 1849. My mother was burned very 
badly on the breast, neck and sides of her face. In the 
evening she went with a lighted candle into the pantry 
to get some provisions for a poor woman, and her neck 
handkerchief took fire from the candle. I had come in 
and fallen asleep in the chair in the sitting room, but 
was aroused by her cries, and the first impression I had 
of the matter was the sight of her coming in through 
the doorway in a blaze about the head. Father and I 
immediately tore off the remainder of the handkerchief, 
cape and head-dress. We obtained medical assistance 
as soon as possible, but her sufferings were very great. 
Dr. Charles Evans thought she made a very narrow 
escape with her life. She was confined to her chamber 
for weeks, during which time she was visited by many 
of her friends, who manifested much sympathy and 
interest. 

Ninth month 8. Last Fifth-day I had through mercy 
a truly tendering time, in which I did earnestly crave 
that I might be preserved in the Truth and enabled to 
fill that place which is assigned me. 

This morning, in meeting, Elizabeth Evans arose with 
the words : "Let the wicked forsake his way and the 
unrighteous man his thought, and let him return unto 
the Lord and He will have mercy upon him, and to our 
God and He will abundantly pardon." She enlarged 
upon this and spoke very encouragingly to some tried 
and struggling ones then present. I can remember the 



10 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1849 

feeling much better than the words, but she also said 
that if one then present were faithful he would be 
brought into dignity and honor and clothed with a holy 
magnanimity of soul and not to care for what others 
might say of him. Between meetings I had another 
favored season. Oh, that these precious opportunities 
may not be as the morning dew which passeth away. 

Tenth month 24. Attended Monthly Meeting. In the 
first meeting Elizabeth Evans was engaged in one of the 
most extraordinary communications I ever remember 
hearing, being adapted to the children of worthy parents 
and grandparents. She said there were some who had 
been visited in an extraordinary manner and who had 
been unfaithful, but if these would yet be faithful, our 
Heavenly Father would make them able to fill that place 
he designed for them, and even make them to be as 
ornaments in his church. She also gave warning, saying 
if the children of those who had borne the burden and 
heat of the day did not come forward and support the 
principles which their predecessors upheld, that others 
would be called in from the highways and hedges, for a 
succession of laborers must be raised up. A very precious 
feeling covered me during the communication which 
remained with me throughout the meeting for business, 
which I thought was a token that I was still an object 
of the tender mercy and regard of our Heavenly Father, 
for which I trust I felt thankful. In the second meeting 
the answer to the first query was read in the usual 



Age 19 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 11 

manner, except it said "Friends were clear of sleeping." 
One Friend said he was glad the query could be thus 
answered and hoped it would continue so. But I knew 
it was not correct, for I had been overcome two or three 
times, so I felt it a duty to say so, especially after Eliza- 
beth Evans' sermon in the meeting, and, although it was 
exceedingly mortifying to expose myself, I rose and said : 
"The answer to the first query regarding sleeping is not 
quite correct." Isaac Lloyd made some remarks, all of 
which I did not hear, but I understood one expression he 
made to the import that he was glad the young man 
had acknowledged his weakness. 

Eleventh month 15. This morning a runaway slave 
came to our house. He said he was from the eastern 
shore of Maryland. He was provided by my mother with 
a suit of clothes and a little money. 

Twelfth month 15. My dear brother Asa appears to 
have been losing strength of late, and his sufferings are 
very great. 

Last Third-day afternoon I had a marvellous escape 
from being crushed by the wheel of a cart, and I believe 
it was by an interposition of our Heavenly Father I 
escaped being killed. For this unmerited mercy I desire 
to offer a tribute of thanksgiving and hope to keep more 
in view the awful importance of being prepared to meet 
death, for who knoweth what a day may bring forth. 

First month 11, 1850. Last night I was brought re- 
newedly under a sense of the awfulness of the work of 



12 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1850 

the ministry, to which I have believed for more than 
three years I should be called if I continued faithful to 
my Divine Lord and Master. May He, who alone can 
qualify for every good work and service, continue his 
preserving arm around me, and I crave that I may not 
run before I am sent, and before I put forth my hand 
to this work I wish to feel, woe to me if I preach not 
the Gospel. The first time I was made to believe without 
a shadow of doubt concerning the matter was in Eighth 
month, 1846, when I was brought under a sense of my 
lost and undone condition. My sins were set in order 
before me, and such was the agony of mind I cried for 
forgiveness unto my offended yet merciful Lord God, and 
blessed forever be His great and glorious name ; He sent 
forth of his redeeming love and mercy and spake peace 
to my troubled and guilty soul. It was then shown me 
with clearness that if I were faithful I should in days 
to come be made to testify what great things the Lord 
had done for my soul. I called my dear father into the 
room and expressed myself freely to him. He extended 
words of encouragement and next morning told me that 
he had no doubt of my being called to the work of the 
ministry if I continued faithful. 

Fourth month II. Last evening brother Asa told me 
that he had thought the severe pain he had of late 
endured in hip and back was caused by abscesses, but 
he now concluded it was from water collecting there, as 
his feet had begun to swell. He appeared in a very quiet, 



Age 20 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 13 

cheerful state of mind (natural to him), and queried of 
father what the doctor had said to him during his last 
visit, and upon being told that the doctor thought while 
there might not be a sudden removal, yet he believed his 
days were drawing near a close, he replied that those 
views were in accordance with his own, and he hailed 
with joy the approaching change. 

Tenth month jj. The past few days dear brother Asa 
has been very low, not inclining to take much nourish- 
ment and been troubled with severe throbbing in the 
head. Robert Scotton has been with us; his company 
and assistance have been particularly acceptable at this 
time of affliction and a great satisfaction to brother Asa. 

Tenth month 23. Little change in my brother from 
the time of my last writing until Fifth-day, when he com- 
plained of not being able to collect his ideas clearly, and 
there seemed to be more difficulty in his power of ex- 
pression. 

Eleventh month 6. Brother Asa remains much the 
same, very low at times, but ever quiet and cheerful 
during intervals of revived strength. Elizabeth Evans 
came down this morning and Asa hearing thereof, desired 
to see her. Almost immediately on entering the room 
she broke forth : "A little longer and a little more suffer- 
ing and this dear lamb shall be released." When she 
reached his bedside she said, "Well, my dear, how is 
thee?" Then, answering the salutation for herself, she 
said, "Very near thy everlasting rest," to which brother 



14 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1850 

assented by the motion of his head. She then spoke to 
him in a very encouraging manner, saying that his suffer- 
ings were not for his sake alone, but might be designed 
for the benefit of his family, and that it might be a 
mystery that we could tell nothing about; that angels 
were waiting as at the gates to receive his spirit. 

Eleventh month 10. The awful time has come for us 
to part with our beloved Asa, never more to meet, unless 
it be in a glorious eternity. This morning, while we were 
dressing, father came for brother Thomas and myself to 
come immediately to Asa's room. We hastened down 
and found dear Asa looking for us, and when we were 
all seated round his bed he looked intently at each and 
nodded his head as if he were bidding us farewell, which 
I believe was his object. After this he lay about two 
hours without taking notice of any of us, then a little 
difficulty of breathing for fifteen or twenty minutes, when 
it ceased and his purified spirit took flight from its 
earthly tabernacle. As our dear father stood over his 
lifeless form he broke forth with the words : "Blessed 
are the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from their 
labors, and their works do follow them " And as my 
heart breathed the language I expressed after father, 
"And let praises, everlasting praises, be given unto Him 
that hath redeemed him." 

Eleventh month 12. This day we followed the remains 
of my dear brother to the grave. 

First month 1, 18 5/. This being the first day of the 



Age 21 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 15 

year, renewed desires have been raised through the day 
that the blessing of preservation may be vouchsafed, 
enabling me to live through the coming year to the praise 
and honor of the great Creator of all things; that when 
another has rolled over I may have increased in ex- 
perience and deepened in a knowledge of best things. On 
looking back over the past year, shame and confusion 
seem to cover me and weakness seems to be my portion. 
Although the Lord's mighty hand hath been round about 
me, delivering me in one or two instances from instant 
death, and many have been the mercies and favors be- 
stowed upon me, yet I have been ungrateful and have 
not prized the precious privileges as I should have done. 
I desire to seek repentance and to experience forgiveness 
that I may, as it were, take a fresh start and renew the 
covenants that were made in the days of my tenderness, 
doubling my diligence to make my calling and election 
sure. 

During the past year I have parted with a dear brother. 
Ah, how he was purified through great suffering, and his 
ransomed spirit gathered to the company of those who 
are forever singing the praises of Him that redeemed 
them. May He, who was pleased to gather him from all 
iniquity, extend the same mighty power for my preser- 
vation and for that of my dear sister and brother who, 
with me, are left to work out our salvation with fear 
and trembling. 



CHAPTER II. 
Early Manhood. 

Fourth month 2J. This is an important month in my 
life, as I complete to-day my twenty-first year. My mind 
has been much exercised through the course of the day, 
and I have been in fervent prayer to the Author of my 
life that I may be enabled in the future to seek first the 
kingdom of heaven and the righteousness thereof, having 
no doubt, if this be my primary concern, that all neces- 
sary temporal things will be added. 

Above all other things I desire to be enabled to give 
myself unreservedly into the hands of my Heavenly 
Father, craving that through the course of my life I 
may be dedicated to his work and service, being willing 
to spend and be spent for the cause of truth, having no 
doubt, as faithfulness is maintained, a place will be 
assigned me in the Militant Church. Oh, that the bless- 
ing of preservation may be extended, that when done with 
time I may lay down my head in peace and be prepared 
to join the just of all generations in singing everlasting 
praises to Him who redeemed them from all iniquity. 

Sixth month 8. From a letter to M. Kite: Father 
has been liberated to accompany William Evans on his 
intended visit to Friends of Indiana and Iowa, which 
will take him away from home four or five months. The 

16 



Age 21 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 17 

management and responsibility of the business falls 
chiefly on me, yet I have no doubt that while he is away 
on a right concern there will be a way provided for us 
to get along reputably, and I hope I shall be able to keep 
the concern from going behind in any way. — J. S. E. 

Eleventh month. Father returned home three weeks 
ago with William Evans. They passed through a section 
of country where there was much sickness, and at one 
place the people declined entertaining them lest they 
should convey some infectious disease. 

In the year 1852 my father was willing to purchase a 
lot at Seventeenth and Hamilton streets, eighty feet 
square, and had a building about thirty-two feet square 
erected, with iron-cased windows, shutters and doors, 
and a boiler outside the building, so that it was considered 
fireproof. This was intended for me in which to have 
a start in business. I was pleased with the prospect of 
having the factory in charge, knowing it was designed 
for me for the purpose of carrying on the salting of 
hides, rendering of tallow and the manufacturing of 
candles. When it was in contemplation, as I walked the 
streets, the query would arise in my mind, had I sought 
the divine counsel in the matter of the proposed move- 
ment? 

Whilst satisfied in my own mind that I had not, I had 
a very strong desire to avail myself of the willingness of 
my father to start me in business. I did not communicate 
my secret feelings, and the building went on, and I 



18 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1853 

engaged in business in it which proved remunerative. 
One morning as I was making my way from my father's 
home I was told that my factory was destroyed by fire, 
and so I found it, which of course was a disappointment 
and loss. My father, however, was willing to rebuild ; 
but I remembered what had previously passed through 
my mind — had I asked for the Divine counsel in the 
building of that factory? I felt that I had not, and now 
if I did not mind what might be considered the crack 
of the whip, the next time I might know the lash of it. 
This so impressed me that I told my father that if he 
were willing I was willing to give up that factory and 
come back home and stay with him in business in South 
Second street, and the lot at Seventeenth and Hamilton 
streets might be sold. His response was that if that were 
my feeling, it might be so, and the lot was sold. The fire 
was supposed to have originated from spontaneous com- 
busion. 

In the spring of 1853 I had an affection of the cheek 
that was called a malignant pustule by Dr. Charles Evans, 
who made a large incision on the inside of my mouth 
and called in the assistance of the distinguished surgeon, 
Doctor Pancoast. I was laid by for two weeks, taking 
liquid food with a cork between my teeth to keep from 
working the muscles of my cheek, and was given instruc- 
tion not to engage in business for some time. As I could 
not work, I felt inclined to go West and see the country, 
and father presented me with sixty dollars, or thereabout, 



Age 23 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 19 

for that purpose. I left home the evening after our 
Quarterly Meeting in the Fifth month, 1853. 

On the train a man indulged in profane language to 
such an extent that I was induced to say that "Profane 
language was painful to respectful ears and respect- 
able people would not use it." I was surprised to hear a 
voice behind me uniting with my remarks, when either 
the profane man or the one at his side was heard to say, 
"We must say our prayers now." The one who endorsed 
me was James Naylor, and this was the beginning of a 
friendship with him that continued until his death. 

I spent some time visiting among Friends in Ohio and 
returned home benefited by the trip. 

Extract from a letter to R. E. Patterson from J. S. E. 
dated Fourth month 9, 1854: Thought I would mention 
a circumstance which took place in our factory last 
Second-day. A steam boiler, which we use in boiling 
grease under high pressure, exploded with a noise like 
a cannon, and what was most surprising no one was hurt. 
About three minutes before it occurred I was fixing some- 
thing on top of the boiler when I observed a small leak 
in what we call the manhole plate, which is a cast-iron 
cover that is screwed firmly over the hole in which the 
materials are put before boiling. I immediately shut 
off the steam and supposed all was safe. I then went 
into the third story, where I had just arrived when the 
accident took place. Had it occurred one minute sooner, 
in all probability I should have been killed. I remained 



20 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1854 

in the third story until the heat of the steam, which 
quickly filled both second and third stories, became too 
oppressive. I then descended by a rope through the open 
hatches to the lower floor, where I found all the men 
safe. In my descent I passed within twenty-five feet of 
the boiler through the hot steam. Had I gone down stairs 
I should probably have been scalded by passing through a 
shower of boiling grease, several hundred pounds of 
which were scattered about. The broken pieces of iron 
became lodged and wedged in the hall in a curious 
manner, which prevented them from being driven through 
the floor and injuring the building. It is supposed the 
part that burst was injured by the fire last spring more 
than we were aware of. 

Altogether I consider it an evidence of the superin- 
tending and preserving care of Divine Providence, for 
which I ought to be very thankful, but I fear I shall not 
be enough so. It forcibly brings to mind the passage 
"that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all His 
works." 

This is the fifth instance in the last five years of my 
having very narrowly escaped with my life, and I desire 
that these warnings of the uncertainty of life may be 
improved and tend to my deepening. 

On one occasion a man in our employ who held 
deistical opinions was so impressed at witnessing my 
escape that he impulsively exclaimed: "Surely it was 
the power of God that saved you." 



Age 24 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 21 

The circumstance was as follows : One day a man 
drove into our factory yard an unruly colt, which he was 
breaking, hitched to a cart. When ready to go the colt 
was so restive that the man made several vain attempts 
to get into the cart, so I offered to hold him and took 
hold of the ring at the bit, but the colt had no notion 
of standing still and made his way toward a gate post 
about eighty feet away, taking me with him, and I think- 
ing, "When we get to that post I will hold thee," but 
about that time the colt gave me such a send-off as 
landed me in the doorway, at a right-angle to the course 
we were going, alongside of the deist. I was landed on 
my feet unharmed. The man, seeing I was not even hurt 
and being so impressed at witnessing the escape, he ex- 
claimed : "Surely it was the power of God that saved 
you." 

First month 31, 1855. Last night after retiring to bed, 
had a favored season. I was enabled to pour myself out 
in prayer and supplication to the Father of Mercies that 
He would send forth help from his sanctuary to enable 
me to overcome all the temptations of the deceiver of 
souls that I might serve and follow the Lord in the way 
of His leading. 

Second month 4. Yesterday afternoon my friend, 
Samuel E. Shinn, lost his life in the following manner: 
He was skating on the Schuylkill River in company with 
a young woman, whom he was pushing before him in an 
arm chair on runners, and passing over a place where the 



22 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1855 

ice was thin, broke through and both were drowned. 
Samuel was a noble-hearted young man, nothing mean 
lurking in him; a little more than twenty-five years of 
age, plain and consistent in his deportment and remark- 
ably pleasant in his manners. We were playmates 
together at school, and have always from our earliest 
acquaintance had very friendly feelings towards each 
other. He was of no common talent. The circumstances 
forcibly reminds me of the language, "Be ye also ready, 
for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man 
cometh." 

Second month 5. Second-day afternoon attended the 
funeral of Samuel E. Shinn. It seemed to me the feeling 
on the occasion was that of sadness and to me a season of 
humiliation. I remembered the passage : "Two men 
shall be in the field, one shall be taken and the other left." 
I was led to reflect how that he was thus snatched off as 
in a moment, and my life had been preserved in several 
instances from a like fate by a high hand and an out- 
stretched arm, and when the query arose, "What have I 
rendered unto the Lord for all His benefits?" Shame and 
confusion is the sense I have of the matter. 

Third month. Sister Sarah, having since her return 
home had her mind much turned towards the Indians 
and believing it to be her duty, expressed her willingness 
to the Indian Committee to return and teach at the school 
at Tunesassa until it could be further supplied with a 
teacher. I think I never saw father as near saying, at 



Age 25 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 23 

the prospect of meeting any close trial, "I will not submit 
to it," and it was not until the whole responsibility was 
left with him that he consented to it. 

A special meeting of the Indian Committee was held 
on third of Third month and her offer was accepted. She 
left home on Sixth-day morning the ninth inst. A cir- 
cumstance took place the evening before her departure, 
which has been a great comfort to me. When the family 
gathered in the evening a precious feeling overspread the 
little company. I was led to say, "We commit thee to 
God and the word of his grace which is able to build 
thee up and to give thee an inheritance among them that 
are sanctified.'' After which mother added, "I have 
prayed for thee, my dear daughter, that thou mightest be 
cared for by the Good Shepherd who preserved me in 
the service thou art about to engage in." When brother 
Thomas bade his sister farewell it was a most affecting 
scene; poor boy, he felt as if he had lost his nearest and 
dearest friend. They were very devoted to each other. 

Fourth month. For some time I have been humbled 
under a sense that it would be required of me to appear 
in public in the line of the ministry. Oh, the trying bap- 
tisms and humiliation on this account ! At the last sitting 
of our Yearly Meeting I spoke a few words and enjoyed 
the feeling of peace during the remainder of the day. I 
was told that Robert Scotton and William Hillis, in speak- 
ing of the appearance, said: "It seemed like a stormy 



24 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1855 

time for one to set out in the ministry, but it had been 
said that good sailors were made in rough seas." 

Fourth month p. For some months I have had serious 
thoughts of endeavoring to form a connection in mar- 
riage with Malinda Patterson, and have consulted my 
parents on the subject, who, whilst they have no acquaint- 
ance with her, have no objection to my having a suitable 
companion. Malinda Patterson and her grandmother, 
Anna Conrow, have come on from Ohio to visit Samuel 
and Sarah Walton. 

Seventh month. Being in poor health, in company 
with Charles Warner, I took a sea trip to Boston on a 
sailing vessel, leaving Philadelphia Seventh month, 10, 
1855. Our captain, a kind obliging man, quiet and 
retired, but free and social when addressed, was firm 
and pleasant and agreeable in his manner toward the 
crew. The discipline throughout on board was good. 
When I arose in the morning of the 12th we were forty 
miles from the Capes, with tide against us. We could see 
with the glass seventy-four vessels on the bay. On the 
13th we had a fair wind from the south, and sailed up 
along the Jersey coast. The sea was not rough, yet I 
soon became sick and stretched myself full length on the 
quarter deck. The captain went below and kindly 
brought up a mattress and placed it between two of the 
steam boilers, which were lying side by side on the main 
deck. This made a comfortable nest, and I stuck to it 
most of the day until driven below by a shower. Had a 



Age 25 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 25 

very uncomfortable night and felt so indifferent that I 
would have cared little if the barque and all that was in 
it had gone to the bottom. Towards morning was enabled 
to get a little sleep, after which the pain in my head 
passed off, and have not been affected since with the 
swimming sensation that had been of late so troublesome. 
To be rid of this was worth the expense of the trip, sea- 
sickness included. The night of the 16th we spent in 
a cove, the captain thinking is imprudent to proceed in 
the fog during the night. Nineteen vessels were anchored 
there with us. The 17th was the most interesting day's 
sailing that we had. We got under way about 4.30 A. M. 
It was still foggy, but we had a good wind. We sailed 
along Martha's Vineyard at the rate of seven miles an 
hour. About 10 A. M. the fog became much more dense 
and we could see but a very short distance. The captain 
held the lead and was sounding nearly all the time, when 
he came to three fathoms (eighteen feet), the vessel 
drawing twelve feet, he shouted : "Let go the anchor," 
which order was quickly obeyed. I asked the captain 
what was the matter, to which he replied, "I do not 
know where I am." 

In an hour or so the fog lifted a little and we saw a 
steamer anchored near us, and as soon as she raised her 
anchor we followed the example and made after her, for 
said the captain, "Where she can go, I can." I asked 
him if he knew yet where he was. He said, "No, but 
I will get away from here and find out." It was very 



26 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1855 

exciting, for we were in imminent danger of striking 
sunken rocks which were in that part of the channel. The 
captain took the wheel and showed nothing of fear. We 
went back about three miles and then changed our course 
to the northeast and soon, falling in with other vessels, 
knew we were on the right course. The captain was led 
astray by his two compasses varying five degrees, and he 
had been guided by the incorrect one, and also by making 
more rapid progress during the morning that he sup- 
posed. If we had gone on a few minutes longer before 
we anchored we should no doubt have struck on a shoal 
of rocks called the Stone Horse. After getting on the 
right course we put on all sail and made good speed. At 
3 P. M. we were nearly opposite the lighthouse at 
Chatham on the mainland of Massachusetts. Here we 
again saw the steamer and had a great race for about 
two and a half hours, when she passed out of our sight. 
Our little barque was a good sailor, for she drove through 
the water within six points of the wind at the rate of 
ten and twelve miles an hour. In the evening there was 
a beautiful phosphorescence seen at the sides and in the 
wake of the boat. Toward midnight the wind died away 
and when I arose on the morning of the 18th found that 
we had anchored about eleven miles from the city of 
Boston, being becalmed. At breakfast we had a fresh 
codfish, caught by one of the crew. 

The captain hailed a steam tow-boat and soon bar- 
gained with the captain of it to tow us up to the city. 



Age 25 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 27 

Boston being built on a hill, the approach to it was a 
beautiful sight. While sitting in the bow of the boat 
admiring the scenery, I was led to reflect upon what 
must have been the feelings of our early Friends when 
they entered this bay, when the cruel laws of Massachu- 
setts declared that any Quaker, after being banished and 
returning to the Province, should be put to death. 

After our arrival in Boston we spent some time in 
walking and sitting on the Common; saw a very large 
tree surrounded by a wooden railing. The tree appeared 
to be of great age, its limbs were bound together by long 
iron rods running from one to another and fastened 
round by iron bands. Much pains have been taken to 
keep the old tree together. Its age is not known, but 
it is said to be the tree on which William Robinson, 
William Leddra, Marmaduke Stevenson and Mary Dyer 
were hanged. After spending a day or two in sight-see- 
ing we returned to Philadelphia, making a visit at New- 
port on the way. 

Some months after this trip, seeing the barque Gem 
at the wharf I went aboard to speak to the captain. He 
asked me if I remembered presenting him with a copy 
of Sewel's History? I replied that I remembered read- 
ing it on the passage to Boston and leaving it on board 
telling him he might have it. He said he took it to his 
home in Chatham and his wife read it to their neighbors, 
they being in the habit of assembling in his home to sew 
during the winter evenings. 



28 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON i 8 55 

Seventh month 18. Extract from a letter to Joseph 
S. Elkinton from his father, Joseph Elkinton: We had 
a visit from Elizabeth Pitfield yesterday; she took tea 
with us and told me as she was going away, that she 
did not wish me to be too much discouraged about my 
son Joseph, intimating that it was her belief the Master 
would take care of him. 

Mayst thou, my beloved son, be engaged and con- 
cerned to trust in Him who never said to the wrestling 
seed of Jacob, "seek ye my face" in vain. He is a good 
Master, worthy to be trusted, served, honored and 
obeyed ; thousands have been able so to testify. And He 
will never leave nor forsake his devoted children unless 
they turn away from Him, which thou mayst be pre- 
served from ever doing, is the fervent prayer of thy 
father for thee. It is no new thing for the Lord's chil- 
dren to be closely tried and proven, but as they hold 
fast their integrity He will in His own time, which is 
always the best time (and well indeed worth waiting 
for) appear with healing in His wings and enable us 
to sing songs of rejoicing to His praise and our own 
great consolation and comfort. 

Ninth month 2. Favored this morning to put up a 
feeble petition for my deepening and growth in the 
Truth. 

"Oh, Most Holy and Eternal Father, may it please 
Thee to deepen me in the root of immortal life that I 
may grow and increase in that knowledge which is life 



Age 26 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 29 

eternal, even to know Thee, the only true God and Jesus 
Christ whom thou has sent and to whom be glory for- 
ever. Amen." 

Ninth month 3, i8j6. Joseph S. Elkinton and Malinda 
Patterson were united in marriage. (From a letter by 
J. S. E. to E. S.) The day of our marriage the Meeting- 
house was well filled, there being many of the town's 
people, besides relatives and friends present. Joseph 
Edgerton spoke chiefly to this class, inviting them to 
turn their minds inward to the Divine Teacher. He 
spoke very clearly, enlarging on the passage: "We have 
a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well 
that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark 
place." After the marriage ceremony, and the certifi- 
cate had been read and signed, he spoke more particu- 
larly to dear M. and me. We had a pleasant company 
of fifty or sixty, who dined with us at the house of 
entertainment. 

Fifth month 3, 1857. After the death of Mary Pat- 
terson (his sister-in-law), J. S. E. wrote in a letter: 
"May our Heavenly Father be pleased to sanctify our 
affliction and cause it to draw us nearer unto Him, so 
that when our course is run, we may be prepared to join 
our beloved sister, who is gone to that happy country 
where there is no sorrow or sighing, but all is endless 
joy." 

First month 29, 1861. My mother requested me to 
remain at home from our afternoon meeting and spend 



30 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1861 

a quiet undisturbed time with her. It was a very satis- 
factory opportunity. She said to me, "My son, thee has 
had some hard days, but keep near the Master and He 
will help thee; and when the Master gives thee anything 
to do, go do it." She related a circumstance that occurred 
after she returned from her first sojourn among the 
Indians at Tunesassa. She was at the house of Samuel 
Swayne, where Thomas Shillitoe was dining. Mother 
entered the room and was introduced as Mary Nutt, 
just come from among the Indians. Thomas dropped 
his knife and fork, bowed his head and presently said, 
"And thou wilt be back there." This surprised mother, 
as she thought she was through, but afterward found 
that her peace consisted in returning to her work among 
the Indians. 

Third month 16. Opened my mouth in meeting this 
morning with the words, "The Lord's arm is not short- 
ened that it cannot save, nor His ear grown heavy that 
it cannot hear; but for the sighing of the poor and the 
crying of the needy, He will arise and preach deliver- 
ance to the captive and the opening of prisons to them 
that are bound, comfort those that mourn, give unto 
them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and 
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Should 
it be the will of the Great Head of the church that I 
should be thus exercised, may He preserve me from 
running into words or doing anything in conduct or 
conversation that will cast a stain on the cause. 



Age 31 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 31 

Third month ij. Having heard of Mary Kite being 
very low, felt I would like to see her once more, she 
having been as a tender mother to me. I spent two or 
three hours by her side, and there was such a sweet 
feeling of peace prevading the room that if we had the 
power we would hardly want to keep her, although the 
Church will be stripped of a bright and shining ornament 
in her removal. May the Lord raise up more such as 
she, to stand for the cause and testimony's sake in their 
day and generation. Mary Kite deceased, Third month 
22, 1861, aged sixty-nine years. 

Eighth month. In the second meeting of our Quarterly 
Meeting I said : "It was with me to plead with some who 
like myself were in the practice of attending these 
Meetings for Discipline, thereby giving evidence that we 
are interested in the concerns of Society, but who did 
not feel it to be our place to take an active part in the 
business that came before the meeting, that we might 
endeavor to get under the exercise of the meeting which 
would tend not only to our own growth and experience, 
but be felt as a help and strength to those on whom the 
weight and burden of the Society chiefly rested. 

"Some might excuse themselves from this responsi- 
bility on account of the inconsistencies existing amongst 
us; others tried with these things might feel at times as 
if their hearts would sink within them and be discour- 
aged, but I have remembered a remark of an aged 
disciple (Robert Scotton), now gathered to his ever- 



32 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1861 

lasting rest. He said, The work is truly great, but we 
are called to be working and nothing impossible will be 
required/ And when we are gathered in our Meetings 
for Worship, let us endeavor to maintain an exercise 
for the arising of Life; we may toil long sometimes 
without seeming to attain that which our souls long for 
as soon as we might desire, but if the struggle is main- 
tained, there will be a breaking forth of Light and Life 
and we be enabled to say, 'An hour in Thy presence is 
worth a thousand elsewhere.' " 

Twelfth month 20. After one or two others had 
spoken in Meeting to-day, I rose and said: "Believing 
this was a time of tendering visitation, my desire was 
that, as time passed, we might not lose the tender im- 
pressions now made, but close in with the heavenly 
visitations, for none of us know when these offers of 
love and mercy are slighted that we shall be favored 
with more. And I ardently craved that some of us now 
in the strength and vigor of life, might be so wise as 
not to suffer the things of time and sense so to engross 
our thoughts as to choke the good seed which had been 
planted in our hearts, but to seek after heavenly things, 
that our cry unto the Father of mercies might be that 
He would not cast us off forever nor take his holy 
spirit from us; that He would create in us clean hearts, 
and renew a right spirit with us." Such breathings I 
believed would be acceptable and if we walked humbly 
with Him, obedience keeping pace with knowledge, an 



Age 31 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 33 

assurance would be granted us that when done with time 
we should be permitted to follow those who had gone 
before into the realms of rest and peace. 

In regard to Elizabeth Evans, who deceased Eleventh 
month, 14, 1861, J. S. E. writes: "She has on divers 
occasions watered my garden and comforted my despond- 
ing heart. I owe her much. I can turn back in memory 
to the days of my early visitations when she was often 
instrumental in the Divine hand in pouring in the oil 
and wine; and there are many who have set their seals 
to having been refreshed by the gospel rain through her. 
Her sudden removal has been tendering to many hearts. 
When about seventeen years of age I dreamed that she 
spoke to my condition in meeting. The next day was 
our meeting day, and she was engaged in testimony in 
the same strain that had appeared to me the night 
before. The last time Elizabeth Evans spoke in our 
meeting was two weeks before her death, when she ad- 
dressed the young men particularly, telling them they 
were of understanding hearts and that nothing would 
give her greater joy, now in the decline of life, than a 
firm belief that there would be raised up in this place a 
little army which would stand as testimony-bearers to 
the Truth, and hoped there might such be brought forth 
who would be faithful to the cause, which she most 
ardently loved, and which she had endeavored to advo- 
cate and uphold, though conscious of her many short- 
comings, yea, transgressions also, for she was frequently 



34 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1862 

engaged in prayer for forgiveness. She exhorted us not 
to allow the many discouraging things which might be 
seen around us to have undue influence upon the mind, 
nor the wickedness which abounded in the world, but to 
endeavor to keep inward and retired. " 

First month, 1862. On the first day of this year father 
withdrew his name from our firm, leaving brother 
Thomas and me to conduct the business with his capital 
and business facilities, under the name of Joseph S. and 
Thomas Elkinton. May the goodness and mercy that 
have been with him through life follow the children, and 
we maintain a lively concern, not to do anything that will 
bring dishonor upon the Truth. 

Third month. Father was over at Haddonfield Quar- 
terly Meeting and heard related whilst at Joseph Snow- 
don's the following anecdote : Thomas Scattergood, 
Samuel Bettle, Thomas Stewardson and perhaps one or 
two other friends, had been appointed to attend the 
Legislature, then held at Lancaster, and by their influ- 
ence to prevent the passage of a bill, which, it was 
thought, was designed to be oppressive to Friends. The 
bill was to be brought up on a Second-day morning and 
the deputation started the previous Seventh-day after- 
noon. First-day morning the question was raised 
whether they should pursue their journey or attend a 
meeting on the way. Thomas Scattergood said : "Friends, 
you may do as you please, but I incline to go to meet- 
ing.' ' They all went to meeting, in which Thomas spoke 



Age 32 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 35 

to the state of one in high standing who was in a practice 
which, if not abandoned, would prove the ruin of the 
individual. After meeting, several of the members 
gathered together and told Thomas they thought him 
mistaken. Thomas thought he had only been faithful 
in delivering that which was required of him. They 
asked whether there was any Friend's house between 
there and Lancaster where they might lodge, and were 
told there was one in a rather out-of-the-way place. 
There they lodged and found the woman Friend who 
lived there, laboring under great depression, having re- 
solved to take her life, thinking she was lost, whether 
she lived or not. The visit of the Friends was timely, 
they being instrumental in raising her from her low 
state. She had, it appeared, whilst laboring under the 
temptation, asked for a sign, that if there was any hope 
for her, that Friends might be sent to her. These deten- 
tions made the Committee anxious about being so late 
getting to Lancaster, as it was noon by the time they 
had their horse put up and went to the legislative hall. 
On entering, one of Thomas Scattergood's neighbors 
was speaking on the bill and denouncing the Quakers, 
but the sight of T. S. discomfited and unnerved him, 
which was observed by the assembly, and the bill dropped 
without Friends having anything to say. Some time 
after, an individual accosted Thomas Scattergood, asking 
him if he remembered the meeting the First-day morning 



36 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1862 

on his road to Lancaster. T. S. replied he did. "I was 
the one thou spoke to," said he. 

At our Fourth-day morning Meeting we had a stranger 
(Phebe Hathaway) from the West, who commenced her 
sermon by drawing a comparison between the present 
and early times of our Society, when messengers traveled 
so much to and fro on the Lord's errands. It is very 
true we are commanded to go and teach all nations, 
baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy 
Ghost. But we are also commanded by the same divine 
authority to tarry at Jerusalem until we be endowed 
with power from on High, and without this power and 
unction, nothing can be done which will redound to the 
Glory of the Great Name. 

Copy of an Enrollment to Military Duty. 

Philadelphia, July 25, 1862. 
To Joseph S. Elkxnton, 

Sir : You will please take notice that you have been enrolled as 
liable to military duty. 

If you claim you are not liable, on account of physical defect, 
or bodily infirmity, or that you are exempt from the performance 
of military duty by any law of this State or of the United States, 
it will be your duty on or before the 14th day of August, 1862, to 
deliver to either of the undersigned, at their residence, No. 37 
Catharine Street or 757 South Sixth Street, an affidavit stating 
such facts on which you claim to be exempt or not liable to such 
military duty. 

John Welsh, 
Chas. Paullin, 

Assessors. 



Age 32 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 37 

Extract from a letter written by J. S. E., Eighth 
month. 9, 1862: "I read with interest thy remarks con- 
cerning the war, but feel little inclination to respond, 
but to ponder these things. We all know it is a serious 
time, and the temptations held out to young men of talent 
and ambition to be very great. It seems to me that if 
I have ever known anything of a living exercise it is on 
behalf of our young men, members of our Society, that 
we may be preserved from bringing dishonor on the 
Truth, but being favored with that Spirit which is ovef 
the powers of darkness, we may be enabled to walk 
consistently with our profession." 

Extracted from a letter to a young man, Eighth month, 
1862: ''May thou be concerned to look unto Him who 
can and will direct the steps of those who with honest 
integrity of purpose apply unto Him and in humble dedi- 
cation are willing to lay aside their own wills, being 
subject to the Divine Will. 

"Remember that learning or any other attainment that 
can be acquired by man must be considered as secondary 
unto that living principle, the one thing needful, which 
alone can sanctify and without which all else will be of 
little avail. It matters not whether it be wealth, honor, 
power, learning or whatever else we set our hearts upon, 
'Let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he knoweth 
Me, saith the Lord.' 

"If offers should be made thee that are likely to make 
it doubtful about a regular attendance at meetings on 



38 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1863 

First-days and in the middle of the week, be careful 
how thou accepts. Don't be satisfied with an attendance 
merely, but strive to be a living worshipper. I write 
under a sense of my own short-comings, but I believe 
such an exercise will be blessed. Wandering and evil 
thoughts may and doubtless will be present, but it is 
no sin to be tempted; the sin is in yielding to the temp- 
tation; nor is it best to be overmuch discouraged because 
we cannot overcome these things as soon as we might 
wish. If the struggle is kept up, the seasons of refresh- 
ings will come. Sometimes after a whole meeting has 
been spent in endeavoring to overcome the struggle, 
perhaps on the way home, there will be a breaking forth 
of light.— J. S. E." 

Extract from a letter to a brother and sister, dated 
Philadelphia, Fifth month, 10, 1863: "If we would but 
serve the Lord with an undivided heart, how would He 
bless us and sanctify us, preparing unto Himself a 
peculiar people, zealous of good works. Oh, that we 
may stand faithful in our measure to the manifestations 
of his grace and good Spirit, that we may be led out 
of all error into all truth and having dominion over sin 
and iniquity, experience a growth in grace and an estab- 
lishment in the ever blessed and unchangeable Truth. 

"During the past week, whilst we have had such 
accounts of dreadful slaughter and bloodshed, I have 
been reflecting how privileged we were in that, by the 
Light of Truth, we have been shown that all Christians 



Age 33 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 39 

should keep out of all strife and contention, and how 
much we are spared by acting in consistence with such 
a conviction. But for this restraining principle, in all 
probability, I should myself have been in the murderous 
conflict and perhaps been amongst the silent dead, and 
how awful to be ushered into eternity, or be the means 
of sending another, whilst all the passions of our fallen 
nature were heated almost perhaps to a state of fury." 

Sixth month 29. A Friend last evening related the fol- 
lowing circumstance : A Friend in England was favored 
with a gift in the ministry, which some of the members 
of his meeting doubted his having. At one time he laid 
a concern to go on a little journey, and one of those 
who doubted his gift was appointed to go with him. The 
first meeting they attended the minister's sermon con- 
sisted in saying, "There is a thief in the house," and at 
the second meeting he said the same thing, at which his 
companions, being much outdone, left him. At the third 
meeting the same thing again occurred, after which a 
man came to him and said, as he had now rebuked him 
three times for robbery, he would acknowledge that he 
was a robber, but had now come to the resolution to 
change his course. 

Seventh month 15. Thomas Lippincott, a first cousin 
of my father, aged about seventy-three, who resided at 
Woodstown, New Jersey, lodged at father's last night 
and was quite interesting in conversation. He told us 
he was of the sixth generation of Lippincotts in this 



40 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1863 

country. His father's name was William, who was 
brother of my grandmother Elkinton, her maiden name 
being Letitia Lippincott. She was of a godly life and 
died in unity with her Friends when about thirty-nine 
years of age. Her father's name was Caleb Lippincott, 
who was the son of Jacob, the son of Restored, who was 
the son of Richard Lippincott, who came to New Eng- 
land with the Puritans, who excommunicated him be- 
cause of his becoming dissatisfied with the use of bread 
and wine, as was the practice with that people. He 
returned to England and about the time of his arrival 
a son was born to him, whom he named Restored, in 
commemoration of his being restored to the land of his 
fathers. 

Richard Lippincott about this time became convinced 
of the Truth as professed by the people called Quakers 
and suffered on account of his religious principles. His 
name appears in Sewel's History. He afterwards re- 
turned to America and settled on a large tract of land 
in New Jersey. Caleb Lippincott, my great-grandfather, 
was a first cousin to John Woolman. Thomas Lippin- 
cott also related last evening that James Daniel, a 
minister of Salem Quarterly Meeting, being out on a 
religious visit, was at a meeting where he spoke very 
closely to an individual tinctured with a spirit of unbe- 
lief; said he could lay his hand on the man and said 
moreover that he had a book on infidelity in his pocket. 
It afterwards proved that there was an individual present 



Age 33 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 41 

toward whom Friends had extended much labor, and who 
had at that very time one of T. Paine's works in his 
pocket. 

Last week drafting for the army took place in two of 
the Congressional districts of this city. About 2000 per- 
sons were drafted, some eight or ten members of our 
Society. May these be willing to stand, to suffer for the 
Truth and do their part for the support of our noble 
testimony against all wars and fightings. It is stated that 
six Friends who were forced from their homes in the 
South by the Rebels and taken by the Rebel Army under 
Lee into Pennsylvania, have been brought to this city 
and with prisoners taken at the battle of Gettysburg, 
sent to Fort Delaware. Friends are endeavoring to 
obtain further information on the matter, and a special 
meeting of the Meeting for Sufferings is to be held this 
week. Father and Joseph Scattergood went yesterday 
to see the Provost Marshal to ask what would be the 
respectful course towards the government for Friends 
to pursue when drafted. The Provost Marshal thought 
if Friends would not fight they might pay the $300, 
but father told him they could not do that. He seemed 
to be at a loss how to answer. The officer said, "I am 
opposed to war myself, but if a man were to go into 
your house and cut your throat, would you resist him? 
Be sure you would." Father replied : "Sometime since, 
the house of a wealthy Friend was entered in the night 
and the robber aroused the Friend and told him if he 



42 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON i 8 63 

did not get up and show him where his money was, he 
would kill him. The Friend sat up and after a little 
thought said, 'I shall do no such thing; I will not be 
accessory to thy wickedness, and if it is permitted for 
thee to take my life, I shall die happy.' The robber 
concluded he would not kill such a man and left him." 
The Provost Marshal remarked, "He was a very bold 
man," and Joseph Scattergood replied, "We have many 
such." The interview resulted in nothing definite, the 
officer stating he had no authority for exempting any 
on conscientious grounds. 

Seventh month. A special meeting of the Meeting 
for Sufferings has been held and a very affecting state- 
ment of the suffering of Friends from North Carolina 
was made. William B. Hockett, nephew of Nathan 
Hockett, was forced into the Rebel Army some ten 
weeks before the battle of Gettysburg; and, refusing to 
bear arms, a musket was strapped on his back; refusing 
to march, he was forced along at the point of the bayonet. 
On one occasion he sat down on the ground when the 
enraged captain ordered one of the soldiers to shoot, 
which he refused to do, saying he would rather lose his 
own life than shoot such a man. The captain then 
turned him over to the colonel, who attempted to ride 
him down. The horse's foot went between his arm and 
side, scraping him a little, but not seriously injuring him. 
He was then tied to a wagon and dragged along. 

Thomas Evans, Samuel Hillis and Charles Evans were 



Age 33 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 43 

appointed to go Washington, where they prevailed upon 
the Secretary of War to grant an order for the release 
of the Friends in Fort Delaware. 

A large committee of the Meeting for Sufferings was 
appointed to assist or advise those who were drafted. 

Seventh month 2J. Drafting has been going on in 
the different wards of the city, and on the 27th of Seventh 
month (to-day) it was announced, by the list published 
in the papers, that I was among the number. This has 
brought me under serious feelings with a fervent desire 
that I may be enabled so to act as to bring no reproach 
upon the blessed cause of Truth. 

Seventh month jo. I present the following statement 

Philadelphia, Seventh month 29, 1863. 
To the Provost Marshal or other proper officer: 

Seeing my name included in a list published as having been 
drafted in the Third Ward of the First Congressional District, 
for service in the army of the United States, and knowing no 
other person of the same name in this ward, I respectfully rep- 
resent to the Board of Enrollment or other proper officers, that I 
feel conscientiously restrained from bearing arms or being other- 
wise concerned in war, believing that all wars and fightings are 
forbidden by the spirit and precepts of the Christian religion. 
This statement is submitted to show that my failure to comply 
with the requisition of the government in this matter does not 
proceed from any disloyalty, but because I am a Christian and 
therefore can not fight, procure a substitute, or pay the $300 
provided by law, or any other sum as a commutation for mili- 
tary service, and respectfully ask that it shall not be demanded 
of me. 

Joseph S. Elkinton, 

785 South Second Street. 



44 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1863 

Eighth month 6. Received this afternoon the follow- 
ing notice : 

Form 39. 
Provost Marshal's Office, 
First District, State of Penna. 

August 5, 1863. 
To Joseph E. Elkinton, 785 South Second Street. 

Sir : You are hereby notified that you were on the 27th day of 
July, 1863, legally drafted in the service of the U. S. for the 
period of three years in accordance with the provisions of the 
Act of Congress for enrolling and calling out the national forces 
and for other purposes, approved March 3rd, 1863. You will ac- 
cordingly report on or before the 14th day of August at the place 
of rendezvous in 245 South Third Street, or be deemed a deserter 
and be subject to the penalty prescribed therefor, by the rules 
and articles of war. 

Transportation will be furnished you on presenting this notifi- 
cation at on the or at the station nearest your 
place of residence. 

Wm. E. Lehman, Captain, 
Provost Marshal, First District, Penna. 

I wrote in reply to the above : 

Philadelphia, Eighth month 12, 1863. 
Wm. E. Lehman, Cap., 

Provost Marshal, First District, Penna. 
Respected Friend : The notice received by me to rendezvous 
for military service expiring on the 14th inst., I write these lines 
explaining that my not appearing arises from my conscientious 
convictions expressed in my statement placed in thy hands on the 
30th ult, and that I am not an absconder in any way, but propose 
remaining about my usual place of business, or if temporarily 
absent for any cause, my whereabouts will be known and com- 
municated at any time by my family. 

Respectfully, 

Joseph S. Elkinton. 



Age 33 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 45 

Philadelphia, Ninth month, 3. 
Dear Friend. 

Alfred Cope: Thy feeling communication of last week was 
duly received. It is truly grateful to have such an evidence of 
interest in my welfare, and I desire so to walk that my friends 
may continue thus to feel, and as way opens therefor in their 
minds, to drop me a word. Although we are to look to the 
Fountain for our dependence, it is pleasant and refreshing to 
meet a brook by the way. In relation to my prospects, I know 
little or nothing of what is before me. I did not go to the ren- 
dezvous at the time notified, but sent a note to the Provost 
Marshal that my non-appearance was in consequence of conscien- 
tious convictions. I have not heard from him since. The present 
would be a most trying time to be taken from my family and 
business, but if needs be I will endeavor to be content, hoping 
that faith, patience and strength will not be withheld, and that 
the watchful eye of the Shepherd of Israel will be over those 
that are left behind. 

Farewell, 

Joseph S. Elkinton. 

The following is taken from the minutes of the Meet- 
ing for Sufferings in the year 1863, as forwarded by the 
committee appointed at that meeting to inquire whether 
any of our members had suffered because of our testi- 
mony against war, the account being given to that com- 
mittee by the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadel- 
phia for the Southern District: Joseph S. Elkinton was 
drafted Seventh month, 27, 1863, for three years' service 
in the army of the United States and received notice to 
appear at the rendezvous by the fourteenth of the fol- 
lowing month. Two days previous to the expiration of 
this period he addressed a note to the Provost Marshal 
of the District, informing him that his intended non- 



46 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1863 

appearance at the time and place designated arose from 
a conscientious conviction that all wars and fightings are 
forbidden by the Christian religion; and that as a Chris- 
tian he could not fight, procure a substitute, or pay any 
sum of money as commutation for military service; and 
also that he proposed remaining as usual at his place of 
business. For some time after this he was not molested 
by the military authorities, but on the twenty-fifth of 
First month, 1864, being sent for by them, he accom- 
panied the messenger to the office of the Provost Marshal, 
where much effort was made, by argument and persua- 
sion, to induce him to yield to the requisitions of the 
Government and perform the military service or pay the 
pecuniary equivalent. He, however, steadily maintained 
his testimony against all wars and expressed his willing- 
ness to suffer the consequences that might be permitted 
to come upon him rather than to assist in the destruction 
of his fellow-creatures or to compromise his religious 
principles in any way. At the close of the interview the 
officers willing to grant as much relief as possible, com- 
patible with their instructions, allowed a postponement 
of the case until it should have been represented to the 
Secretary of War. This was accordingly done, and on 
thirteenth of Second month, 1864, he was informed by the 
Provost Marshal that in consequence of orders which 
had been received from the War Department that those 
who were conscientious against bearing arms or paying 
commutation fees were to be considered non-combatants, 



Age 33 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 47 

and upon the Provost Marshal being convinced of their 
sincerity to be paroled. He was accordingly at liberty 
until he should be again sent for, but after this he was 
not again disturbed. 

Some Account of Interview with the Provost 
Marshal by J. S. E. 

On the twenty-third of First month, 1864, there came 
a messenger from the Provost Marshal of this district, 
William C. Lehman, with instructions according to his 
own statement to bring me before him. I hesitated about 
complying therewith, which, being observed, the messen- 
ger said: "If it does not suit you to come now, come up 
on Monday at one o'clock." I took advantage of this in 
order to gain time for consideration, the only point in 
holding back was whether I was not voluntarily placing 
myself under military authority. I told the messenger 
I would either go to the Marshal's office on Second-day, 
the twenty- fifth, at one o'clock, or send a reason for not 
doing it. He went away, not quite satisfied with my not 
going, saying, "You had better not send a reason. I 
would rather you would go with me now, as I was told 
to bring you; but I will take back your answer to the 
Marshal." On Second-day, the twenty-fifth, another 
messenger came after me about 10.30 A. M., being before 
the time named on Seventh-day and having deliberately 
decided it would be best for me to go, I went with him 
to the Provost Marshal's office. The messenger on the 



d8 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1863 

way up endeavored to present to my view that the best 
thing to be done was to procure a substitute. Soon after 
entering the office, the Provost Marshal said to a dignified 
looking man sitting beside him, whom I took to be the 
Commissioner : "Alderman, this is one of our law-abiding 
citizens who belongs to a persuasion or sect whose prin- 
ciples or rules are against fighting." The following is 
a concise statement of the conversation which ensued 
as nearly as remembered: 

Provost Marshal : "Do you not consider we are bound 
to obey the law?" 

J. S. E. : "In every way not opposed or contrary to the 
Divine Law." 

Provost Marshal : "Some may say one thing and some 
say another thing is opposed to this law you speak of. 
Would it not lead into confusion and who is to judge?" 

J. S. E. : "It is our doctrine that when any advance 
sentiments or take a position contrary to the Holy 
Scriptures, they are not to be heard and we are willing 
to be judged by this rule ourselves. There is in the 
breast of each of us the sense of right and wrong, we 
may not see alike in all things, differing according to the 
measure of Divine Grace received, but there are some 
things in which we can all agree, for instance (address- 
ing the Commissioner), thou no doubt believes it would 
be wrong to go into a person's store and take his money 
and that it would also be wrong to send another for 
that purpose, and if thou wast told if thou didst not 



Age 33 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 49 

do the act thou must pay a sum thou wouldst not pay 
for refraining to do that thou knew to be wrong." 

Commissioner: "Suppose a man was to break into your 
house, attack your wife and children, would you not call 
on a police officer to put him out?" 

J. S. E. : "I would have no objection to doing that; we 
are friends of good order, and there is nothing in me 
that would object on the ground of principle, to serve 
as a public officer, and if appointed should not object to 
serve (not that I have any liking for the business), but 
I would not carry arms, nor would I shrink from going 
into places of danger in the performance of duty ; if I 
did I would be justly chargeable with the imputation of 
cowardice, which was so often cast upon us." 

Commissioner: "Would you not kill a man to defend 
or save your own life?" 

J. S. E. : "No; I must trust to a Higher Power for 
safety. I would not take life unless it were done in a 
time of weakness, heated by passion, in which case I 
would condemn it. I can under no circumstances justify 
taking life." 

Provost Marshal : "Do you remember the text in refer- 
ence to paying tribute: 'Render unto Caesar the things 
that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are 
God's?'" 

J. S. E. : "We accept the text that we are to pay taxes 
or tribute for the purposes of general government, and 
as we do not expect to have a controlling influence in the 



50 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1863 

disposition of the public funds, we do not consider we 
are responsible if portions of it are applied to purposes 
which we cannot approve, and in accordance with this 
view of the matter I pay to the government in the form 
of duties and taxes on goods, etc., nearly as much as I 
give my own family for support; but when taxes are 
levied for a special purpose inconsistent with the spirit 
and precepts of the Christian religion, we cannot pay 
them." 

Commissioner: "The $300 commutation money is not 
applied for the special purpose of employing substitutes, 
but goes into the public treasury to be applied to such 
use as Congress deems proper." 

J. S. E. : "That is different from what I have always 
understood and, if correct, would remove one objection; 
but there is another objection I cannot get over, and 
that is paying for what I believe to be wrong." 

Commissioner: "In some places in the country the law 
stands that if a man will not serve as constable when 
elected, he is to pay a fine, and some of your people 
have so done." 

J. S. E. : "There is this distinction in their situation 
and my present one, refusing to act as constable would 
only be a question of dislike. If appointed, I should 
probably serve; but if I did not, could not object on 
conscientious grounds to paying the fine. But in my 
present situation I object to serving in the army, because 
it is considered the business of a soldier to go forth to 



Age 33 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 51 

till and destroy, which is incompatible with the prin- 
ciples of the Christian religion and was so considered 
by the early Christians, none of whom were to be found 
in the army for about three centuries after our Saviour 
and many suffered death because of their unwillingness 
to bear arms, and we have an account of one young man 
in particular who suffered death rather than wear the 
mark or badge of a soldier." 

Commissioner: "Is that correct?" 

J. S. E. : "The account handed down by history is 
that not until the decline of the Church did those pro- 
fessing Christianity enter into the army and the first 
account we have of a Christian Legion, as it was called, 
is somewhere about the third or fourth century." 

Commissioner : "But has not your Society come to 
some understanding in this matter? I think in some 
sections of the country, when the draft was proposed 
under the State law some eighteen months ago, numbers 
of your people gave security they would pay such a sum 
as the Legislature should inflict in lieu of military serv- 
ice. I think there were some cases of this kind came 
before me, but the draft never came off, and the Legis- 
lature never acted on the matter." 

J. S. E. : "I was not aware of such having been done. 
I never gave such security, nor has our Society in this 
city come to such an understanding. We would disown 
our members if they were to pay such a fine." 

Commissioner: "At the time of the application for 



52 JOSEPH S. EIvKINTON 1863 

exemption under the State law, there were numbers came 
to us making claim for exemption that we did not believe 
had any conscientious scruples, but only made claim to 
get off, but the law required us to exempt them and we 
had to grant it." 

J. S. E. : "We have reason to believe such was the case, 
that some who might perhaps be found in a private brawl 
did but make pretense of conscience to get exempted, 
which was a reproach on us and we had to bear it, but 
I hope my conduct through life may be such that I may 
not only be consistent with myself, but that you also 
may be satisfied concerning my sincerity." 

Commissioner: "I believe yours a real case of con- 
science, but the national law does not grant exemption 
on that ground." 

Provost Marshal : "It has been decided by Holt and 
Whitely (he then read certain documents on the sub- 
ject) that when a drafted man claimed exemption and 
it was not granted, that such person should render per- 
sonal service, and there is no law to grant exemption on 
the ground of conscience. I am disposed to give your 
views consideration, but am in a strait ; yet I see the utter 
absurdity of sending a man to the army who will not 
fight or carry a musket." 

J. S. E. : "I make no claim for exemption on any law 
of the United States. Under the State we have a law 
exempting those who for conscience sake cannot fight, 
but, it not being under the national law, I must simply 



Age 33 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 53 

abide the issue of my case, having nothing new to offer. 
It is no use for any one to come forward and make con- 
fession of conscientious scruples without they would 
rather suffer than compromise their principles." 

Provost Marshal: "In some of the cases brought up 
on this ground some of their friends have managed the 
matter and satisfied the law." (Evidently meaning by 
paying the commutation fee.) 

J. S. E. : "Doubtless those who paid were influenced 
by kind motives, but it would be much better for our 
people if they would mind their own business and leave 
us to our principles for support, for if we found they 
would not support us in time of emergency, we would 
give them up."* 

My father, now entering the office, he and the Com- 
missioner became engaged on the subject of the com- 
mutation fee, the Commissioner saying it went into the 
public treasury and was therefore not different from any 
other tax. Father did not consider that the case, but 
that it was for the express purpose of procuring substi- 
tutes. He also added that even though the money might 
be applied for benevolent objects of which we might 
approve, we still could not pay for exemption from 



♦One of my neighbors was very desirous to pay the commuta- 
tion fee and it would probably have been a satisfaction to him to 
have been allowed to do it. I had much difficulty to dissuade 
him, telling him I wanted my liberty, but not at the price of 
blood, and that were he to pay for me it would grieve me. 



54 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1864 

military service, and stated it had been proposed by the 
Secretary of War that a fund should be founded on the 
commutation money and appropriated for the benefit of 
the Freedmen, a class in whom our sympathies were much 
inlisted, but we could not consent thereto. 

The Commissioner asked the Marshal if the case could 
not be postponed. He replied in the affirmative, and it 
was put off one week, the Marshal expressing the wish I 
would find some hole for him to creep out of. Father 
observed the Secretary of War had paroled those on 
whose account he had been applied to, who were re- 
strained from joining the army by their conscientious 
scruples. The Commissioner remarked that would re- 
lieve us. We believe this a real case of conscience and 
if necessary would be willing to express it in writing. 
I said I would like to have it. The Marshal whispered 
something to the Commissioner, and it was left. 

Fourth month 25, 1864. I wrote the following letter to 
Secretary of War: 

First Month 25, 1864. 
Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War, 

Respected Friend : On the 27th of Seventh month last I was 
drafted for service into the army of the United States and re- 
ceived notice soon after from the Provost Marshal to report 
at the rendezvous on the 14th of the following month for mili- 
tary service. I sent a statement to the Provost Marshal that my 
non-compliance with this order was in consequence of the convic- 
tion in my own mind that all wars and fightings are contrary to 
the spirit and precepts of the Christian religion, and therefore I 
felt conscientiously restrained from performing military service, 



Age 34 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 55 

furnishing a substitute or paying any sum as a commutation fee. 
To-day I was sent for by the Marshal, William L. Lehman, who 
treated me respectfully; said he was in a strait, although dis- 
posed to give my views consideration, he did not see any other 
course legally to pursue than to send me to the army unless he 
had authority from thee to act otherwise, and adjourned the case 
for one week, which he said would give me opportunity to hear 
from thee. I therefore respectfully solicit such a document from 
thy hand as may induce him to grant me the continuance of my 
liberty. 

Joseph S. Elkinton, 

783 South Second Street. 
P. S. — Understanding thou art personally acquainted with 
Thomas Evans, of this city, and he having knowledge of me, I 
have asked a certificate of his view of the sincerity of my declara- 
tion. 

Copy of Thomas Evans' certificate: 

I believe the above account of my friend Joseph S. Elkinton 
to be correct and commend his case to the kind consideration and 
action of my valued friend, Edwin M. Stanton. 

Thomas Evans. 

Second month I. Went at the time appointed to the 
office of the Provost Marshal and waiting until about 
fifteen minutes of 10 o'clock, and he not appearing, I 
wrote the following note and left it in his office to be 
given him : 

First month 25, 1864. 
William E. Lehman, Provost Marshal. 

Respected Friend : I came at the time appointed to this place 
and not seeing thee, and there being a religious meeting I am 
desirous of attending I leave, but will return at any time thou 
wilt appoint and inform me, or as soon after as practical. 

Joseph S. Elkinton. 



56 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1864 

Second month i. Was again sent for by the Provost 
Marshal, and I told him and the Commissioner that I 
had written to the Secretary of War, but had received 
no answer. I had not expected he would write to me, 
but thought perhaps he would write to some official. 

The Provost Marshal then said that orders had been 
received from Washington that those who were drafted 
and were conscientious against bearing arms or paying 
commutation fees, or belonged to a creed whose doc- 
trines or rules forbid fighting, might be considered as 
noncombatants, and upon the Provost Marshal being 
satisfied with their sincerity, was at liberty to parole them 
until they should be sent for, which said the Commis- 
sioner, "will never be. And," continued the Marshal, 
"as your case seems to be covered by this, we will so 
dispose of it, and do not see that it is necessary to detain 
you longer." Then said I, "I am at liberty until sent 
for?" "Yes," he replied. I then remarked, "I receive 
my liberty with thankfulness and am glad there are some 
in this day who are willing to think as George Washing- 
ton when he lay with his army at Valley Forge. There 
were brought before him four Friends with muskets 
strapped on their backs to know what was to be done 
with them. Washington said, 'We do not want such 
men that will not fight; let them go. The Quakers are 
a peaceable, industrious people, and do not give the 
Government trouble. It is better for the country to let 
them raise corn and other articles than to undertake to 



Age 34 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 57 

make them do what they are no manner of use at.' ,] 
The Provost Marshal responded, "I think Washington 
wise." Thus I trust ends this matter, which has given 
me considerable exercise, accompanied with the desire 
that, in whatever situation I may be thrown, I may be 
preserved from breaking the noble testimony we are 
called upon to bear to the peaceable nature of the 
Redeemer's Kingdom. And feelings of thankfulness 
are due unto Him who hath disposed those in authority 
to regard conscience and hath planted in our hearts this 
living principle which, if lived up to, not only insures 
a feeling of peace, but preserves from rushing into that 
scene of carnage and destruction which is now spread- 
ing such desolation throughout the land. 

Second month 20. Received a reply from the War 
Department to my letter to the Secretary of War, stat- 
ing that a furlough had been ordered to be granted me 
until called for. 

The letter is as follows: 

War Department, 

Washington City, February 18th, 1864. 
Sir : In reply to your communication of the 25th ultimo, I am 
instructed by the Secretary of War to inform you that you 
have been ordered to be granted a furlough until called for. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Ed. M. Stanton, 

Brig. Gen'l, A. A. G. 
Joseph S. Elkinton, 

783 South Second Street, Philadelphia, Penna. 



58 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1864 

Special orders No. 88. 

War Department, 
Adjutant General's Office. 

Washington, February 23, 1864. 
(Extract.) 
32. Joseph S. Elkinton, a drafted man, from the First Dis- 
trict of Pennsylvania, now at headquarters of that district, a 
member of the Society of Friends, will be permitted to absent 
himself from military duty upon his parole of honor, to return 
whenever called for. . . . 

By order of the Secretary of War. 

E. D. Townsend, 
(Official) Assistant Adjutant Gen'l. 

E. D. Townsend, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Second month 2. I was quite tender one morning on 
the street as I was tapped on the shoulder by an old man 
apparently near the end of his earthly journey, who was 
the pastor of what is called the "Old Swedes' Church," 
the oldest house of worship in this city. He said to me: 
"I heard you were ordered to go to war. I am con- 
cerned about you. What will you do?" I replied, "I 
will not go without they take me, and then I cannot fight, 
for Christianity forbids it." "You stick to that," said 
he, as he passed on. 



CHAPTER III. 
Beginning of Ministerial Services. 

Second month. My aunt Edith, wife of uncle George 
Elkinton, deceased Second month 2d, 1864, after a 
week's illness of typhoid pneumonia. At her funeral I 
quoted the language: "Be ye therefore perfect even as 
your Father which is in heaven is perfect," and as 
nothing impure or unholy could ever enter the abode 
of rest and peace, how important that we be prepared to 
be brought to the judgment seat of Him who will reward 
every man according to the deeds done in the body, 
whether they be good or whether they be evil. Believing 
the present to be a time of renewed visitation to some 
then present, my heart's desire and prayer was, there 
might be a co-operation with the manifestations of the 
Spirit of Truth, whereby ability would be received to 
cease to do evil and to learn to do well, and one evil 
propensity after another being overcome, there would 
be experienced a growth and establishment in the Truth. 

Second month 12. Attended Twelfth Street Meeting 
and felt constrained to begin with the language: "Be 
still and know that I am God." "And this is life eternal 
that they might know thee, the only true God and Jesus 
Christ, whom thou hast sent." And how shall we know 
the Saviour, save as he is revealed to us in the secret 

59 



60 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1865 

of our hearts. If we be concerned to gather in the still- 
ness of all flesh seeking the Saviour, being drawn by 
the drawing chords of the Father's love, He will appear 
unto us as a light, opening our understanding and giving 
us to see concerning those things which belong to our 
soul's peace, and as we are willing to follow the Light, 
though it lead into the path of self-denial and abasedness 
of self, we would know the Lord Jesus to be our Leader 
and Director and the invincible Captain of our salvation, 
giving us the victory over one evil propensity after 
another, until our thoughts and affections became 
changed. That which was earthly shall become heavenly, 
yea we shall know of the baptism of the Holy Ghost 
and of fire, that all that is contrary to the Divine Nature 
shall be cleansed and consumed ; and experiencing the 
answer of a good conscience toward God, our hearts 
will become fit temples for his holiness to dwell in. 

" 'Ye are the temple of the living God. If so be, He 
will dwell in you and be in you,' then indeed shall we 
know the Father, holding union and communion with 
Him and shall be made heirs of immortality and eternal 
life." 

Third month 14, 1865. Our dear mother passed from 
time to eternity about four o'clock this morning, on which 
solemn occasion father was bowed in supplication, com- 
mencing with "Oh, Thou who alone knoweth the end 
from the beginning," and then went on to plead for 
support during the remaining days which were to be 



Age 35 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 61 

allotted to him. I was told that on the day my dear 
father and mother were married that father appeared 
in prayer with the same language as that he used in the 
beginning of his supplication to-day when mother died. 

Third month 16. We were favored with a solemn 
opportunity at the time of the funeral. Hannah War- 
rington, Samuel Bettle, uncle George Elkinton, Yardly 
Warner and Samuel Cope all had offerings. At the 
grave I knelt and implored that the dispensation might 
be blessed and sanctified; that every desire after holi- 
ness and amendment of life might be strengthened ; that 
by walking by the same rule and minding the same things 
as those who have been gathered to their eternal rest, 
we also might be permitted to lay down our heads in 
peace and be gathered into that city whose walls are 
salvation and whose gates are praise. 

Fourth month 24. Our beloved friend, Ann Branson, 
from Ohio, spent the afternoon and took tea with us. 
We had a memorable religious opportunity in which she 
addressed me, saying that as I had had a sense of right, 
it was her desire I might hold thereto and be faithful to 
the manifestations of the Spirit. 

Later. The next day she dined at the home of Charles 
Williams, where she had some service with two girls 
employed by the family. To one of them she spoke in 
an encouraging manner; to the other by way of warning 
against false speaking, stealing, etc. It afterward proved 
that Ann Branson had a correct sense of their respective 



62 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1865 

states, as Grace Williams testified to the one as being 
faithful and the other exceedingly trying and deceitful. 
Fifth month 28. Attended Western District Meeting 
this evening and appeared in testimony in this wise : "As 
the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so is the Lord 
round about them that fear him. Yea, the angel of his 
presence will encamp round about them that fear him 
and will deliver them." I had been led into sympathy 
with a state that did love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, 
was concerned to walk humbly with their God, having 
his holy fear before their eyes, but were bowed down, as 
it were, beyond measure; under a sense it might be of 
their own shortcomings, or borne under a weight of 
affliction ; or it might be on account of the low state of the 
Church. There were many things on account of which 
we might be properly exercised, but it was not designed 
we should dwell upon them to our destruction. As in the 
outward, it was not good to dwell upon a subject to the 
exclusion of all else till the mind became unbalanced, so 
in the spiritual it was not best to dwell upon a dispensa- 
tion till that holy composure and settlement, which was 
the portion of the righteous, should be broken up, lest 
we lose our confidence in that Omnipotent Arm of power 
which had hitherto helped us and delivered us out of all 
our distresses. If there is such a state, it is with me to 
speak comfortingly, reminding such, there are given 
unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by 
these we might be made partakers of the divine nature, 



Age 35 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 63 

having union and communion with God. And though 
it might please Him to feed us with the bread of adver- 
sity and with the water of affliction, and veil the glorious 
light of his countenance from us so that every sensible 
evidence of the divine favor be withdrawn, yet He would 
never leave nor forsake those whose love is chaste and 
pure toward Him. "I will not leave thee nor forsake 
thee." May we therefore cry unto Him who is able to 
give us the faith which the inspired writer possessed 
when he said: "Though the fig tree should not blossom 
and the labor of the olive should fail, and there be no 
fruit on the vine, and the flocks be cut off from the field, 
and there be no herd in the stall, yet will I joy in the 
Lord and rejoice in the God of my salvation." As we 
come to this we shall be enabled to rejoice in tribulation 
and learn in whatsoever state we are, therewith to be 
content. Ye that fear the Lord, hope in the Lord for 
everlasting joy and mercy. 

Eighth month. When out on a business trip through 
the South and whilst in Richmond I was struck with the 
number of colored men to be seen on the streets, as it 
was in Washington last winter. There is certainly a 
large field for philanthropy and benevolence here. They 
have in a way but poor ideas of economy. It is feared 
that next winter when employment may be more difficult 
to obtain, there will be much suffering. A citizen of 
Richmond remarked to me that everybody wondered at 
one thing, and that was the quiet and orderly manner in 



64 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1865 

which the blacks had conducted themselves since the 
transition from a state of slavery. 

Engaged a conveyance to take me from Richmond to 
Petersburg. The colored driver was an interesting man 
and very communicative in reference to the operations 
of the war. His wife had been a slave to one who, it was 
said, owned five hundred slaves. He said he waited on 
a Florida regiment that went into battle fifteen hundred 
strong, of whom only ten were supposed to be alive ; but, 
said he, no colored man entered the Confederate army 
because he wanted to fight for the Confederate cause, 
but many in Richmond joined because they were so 
nearly starved out and wanted to get something to eat 
and a suit of clothes, hoping to have a chance to desert 
or be taken prisoner. I saw much of the earthworks on 
the side of Richmond towards Petersburg, and for fif- 
teen miles or more the woods and trees were blackened 
and burned from the engagement. This appears to be 
where Butler fought and retreated. 

I saw many graves of the poor creatures who were 
sent into eternity, many of whom, no doubt, in an un- 
prepared state. I remarked to the driver, "A man 
makes a small show when his bones are under ground." 

"But what about his soul?" said the colored man. 

Returned to Richmond on the rickety cars. Not a 
seat had a back, although they charged about three prices 
for fare. This road, I understood, was used by Lee in 



Age 35 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 65 

moving his troops back and forth in the line of battle 
between Richmond and Petersburg. 

Tenth month. Taken from a letter to J. S. E. by his 
father, who had started out with Joseph Scattergood, 
Thomas Wistar and Ebenezer Worth to visit among the 
Indians and deliver an address prepared by the Indian 
Committee : 

My dear Sox : — We left Albany at 7 o'clock A. M. ; 
came on to Oneida, a distance of one hundred and 
twenty-two miles, and hired a conveyance to take us to 
the Indian settlement, a distance of about three miles. 
Went to the house of Thomas Cornelius, an Oneida 
Indian and a minister of the Methodist persuasion 
amongst them. They kindly took us in and in the course 
of the afternoon prepared a good supper for us. We 
opened the subject of our visit to him, and he, in con- 
junction with one of their chiefs, concluded to call their 
people together in the evening, which was accordingly 
done, and we had rather a remarkable interview with 
them. After the reading of the Address of the Com- 
mittee, which informed them of the object of our visit 
to them, we had each of us some remarks to make, 
which, by their replies, were cordially received. They 
appeared very glad of the visit and spoke of the long 
time that had elapsed since they had been visited by 
Friends. Four of their people replied to what had been 
said to them, expressing their thanks therefor. The 
men commenced each taking us by the hand as they 



66 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1865 

passed out and followed by the women doing the same 
in quite a touching manner. We returned to the house 
of Thomas Cornelius and after taking our seats in his 
parlor, he said, "We have had a good time." Thomas 
appears to be a man of sweet and pleasant countenance 
and the order manifested in his family was very pleasant 
to observe. (Next day.) After breakfast this morning 
we went in a lumber wagon three or four miles from 
Thomas Cornelius' to another part of the settlement, 
where we met with a number of men and women at the 
School and Meeting House, which is sometimes occupied 
for one and sometimes for another purpose. We in- 
formed them in a few words the object of our visit and 
each one of the Committee had some remarks to make, 
which appeared to be comforting and satisfactory to 
them. We were then told that each of those assembled 
would pass by and take us by the hand as was done last 
evening, they keeping up their singing until the last one 
of us had been taken by the hand. We contemplate get- 
ting to Onondaga to-night. We are all well and expect 
to pursue our journey with diligence. 

With love to all, I remain affectionately thy father, 

Joseph Elkinton. 

St. Regis Reservation, 

St. Lawrence River. 
Eleventh month 2. 
My dear Son Joseph S. Have a little leisure this 



Age 35 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 67 

morning previous to the assembling of Council which is 
to convene at 12 M. 

My last was dated Tenth month 31st, from Ogdens- 
burg. That night we arrived safely at Coonsville, where 
we lodged. Yesterday morning we took boat to St. 
Regis and arrived here about 9 A. M. We felt like 
strangers in a strange land. Upon landing, inquiry was 
made for a chief's house, and we were taken to one not 
far from the wharf and were kindly received. His name 
was Solomon and he was a Roman Catholic. We passed 
by the house of the priest, who resides near the church, 
as it is called, but we did not see him. We found it was 
a holiday among them and soon heard the bell ringing 
to collect the people. Several of the natives were in the 
house and we, in a brief manner, told them of the object 
of our visit, and they concluded to meet us in Council at 
noon to-day, after which we went through a part of the 
Reservation and dined with Thomas Hill, a St. Regis 
Indian, and had considerable conversation with himself 
and wife and Thomas La Forte upon the subject of edu- 
cating the children of the natives. On our return we 
called on two of the natives, one of whom was a wheel- 
wright; then came on to the house of an Indian, Mitchell 
Solomon, who kindly offered to accommodate us over 
night, which we accepted. . . . Our Council convened 
and quite a number of Indians gathered, and we had an 
interesting interview and thy father came off much more 
comfortably than he expected. After close of Council I 



68 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1865 

went to Mitchell Solomon's and bade his wife and family 
farewell, thanking them for their hospitality. We went 
to the wharf and took passage in the ferryboat to Corn- 
wall, where we expect to take train and reach Tuscarora 
Reservation to-morrow evening. 

Eleventh month 4. We are at John Mount Pleasant's, 
a Tuscarora Indian, where we arrived last evening, and 
were kindly received by himself and wife; and such ac- 
commodations as we have had I think I never experienced 
in the house of an Indian. He told me last evening that 
he had sold nearly a thousand dollars' worth of hay, 
raised from 400 to 500 bushels of wheat; sold a large 
number of barrels of apples, has eleven cows, and dis- 
poses of much butter, for which he now gets forty-five 
cents per pound. At a late agricultural fair at Tono- 
wanda he exhibited twenty-seven varieties of apples, and 
they live in a house that would pass very well in Ger- 
mantown. 

In much love, thy father, 

Joseph Elkinton. 

Eleventh month 8, 1865. Considered the coldest day 
on record in this city, thermometer registered from 10 to 
18 below zero, at Westtown 20 degrees below. 

Extract from a letter of Alfred Cope to J. S. E. : 

First Month 31, 1866. 
Dear Joseph : — Thy company at our meeting yester- 
day was so acceptable to me that I feel that I should 



Age 36 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 69 

hardly do right in refraining altogether from expressing 
to thee something of my feelings. I hope thou may be 
faithful to any intimation of duty from the right source. 
Our meetings for business are apt to fall into a cold 
formal routine, and if they do, and continue so, many 
evils will follow. We want amongst us some who are 
not only sensible of this,, but such as are at times author- 
ized to give utterance to their exercises. These may be 
at times, as it were, a mouth-piece to some whose lips are 
sealed. . . . Again I say, let no discouragement come 
over three; only be sure thou art on the true watch 
tower, 

Affectionately, 

A. Cope. 

Second month o. Extract from a letter to Anna Ed- 
gerton from J. S. E. : 

Dear Aunt Axxa Edgertox : — Received thy affecting 
letter with the account of the death of our dear uncle 
Joseph Edgerton. . . . Thou hast lost a beloved com- 
panion, and some of us feel that one has been removed 
who was deeply concerned for our present and everlast- 
ing welfare. Yea, the church has lost a faithful laborer 
whose place is not likely to be refilled. He was devoted 
to the good cause and qualified to labor abundantly in the 
Lord's vineyard. But whilst those who are left may not 
possess the gifts which he did, yet may what we have be 
properly exercised and a living concern maintained for 
the prosperity of Zion. 



70 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1866 

With feelings of love, and deep sympathy to all the 
family. J. S. Elkinton. 

An interesting experience when J. S. E. was in Wash- 
ington, D. C, on business and had occasion to be in the 
House of Representatives is recorded under date of 
Third month 30th, 1866, viz. : 

I went up to the gallery and took my seat, where I 
had been but a little while when the door-keeper called 
upon me to remove my hat. I told him I kept it on from 
no disrespect, but I belonged to the Society of Friends 
which had always had a principle to support against 
taking off the hat as a point of honor. He said his 
orders were positive not to allow any one to go in with 
his hat on. I went to another door and took my seat 
where I was again called upon to take off my hat. I 
reasoned with him, stating that I objected from prin- 
ciple, and that the bill then before Congress was one 
that I was much interested in, as my living was con- 
cerned in it, but I could not sacrifice principle for inter- 
est. He seemed disposed to oblige me, but was evidently 
afraid of incurring censure from his superior officers if 
he allowed me to remain. I returned to the Commis- 
sioner and asked him if he thought our representative 
would attend to my interest, and he thought he would. 
I, however, did not feel easy to let it rest without making 
further effort to be present, accordingly returned to the 
Capitol and asked the door-keeper who had last spoken 
to me if he would kindly tell me just where the House 



Age 36 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 71 

was engaged. He went into the Library and brought out 
a printed bill and told me they were engaged on the 
same page our articles were on; in fact, he showed me 
no little kindness and said he had great respect for the 
Society of Friends. I went to the floor below and had 
Samuel J. Randall sent for, who came out, stating that 
my call was timely, as they were near the part I was 
most interested in, but afterward some one made a long 
speech which occupied the time until an adjournment 
was made at 4.35. 

Next morning visited one of the colored schools be- 
longing to the New York Freedman's Association, also 
one of Friends' Freedman's Association of this city, and 
was impressed with the belief that these schools were 
conferring a great benefit upon the colored race. After 
the visit to these schools, repaired to the Capitol and 
about 10 o'clock went to the door-keeper with whom I 
had my last interview, and asked for the loan of the 
copy of the tax bill then before Congress and requested 
him to notify me when the House entered upon that 
subject, which he did. I then went round to the south 
door of the gallery and took a seat inside opposite Ran- 
dall, so that he had full opportunity to observe me by 
my hat and be reminded thereby of my desire to have 
sal soda entered on the bill. The matter was attended 
to, and after calling Samuel Randall out and expressing 
obligation to him for his attention, I returned home with 
a thankful heart that the object of my visit had been 



72 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1866 

successful, and I had not compromised my principle, 
although on my return my brother advised me next time 
I went to Washington to throw my hat out of the win- 
dow, and not attempt to evangelize Congress, for it was 
not their profession. 

Fifth month 12. Attended the funeral of Enos Sharp- 
less, father-in-law of my brother Thomas. Many Friends 
were gathered and some vocal service both at the house 
and ground. There was an individual present who has 
lately applied to our religious Society to be received into 
membership. Her husband was struck by lightning and 
died within a few hours, leaving her and her children in 
limited circumstances. One of our tracts came into her 
hands, which she read with deep interest and communi- 
cating with a Friend, he procured for her Barclay's 
Apology, reading which her understanding seemed to 
become opened in reference to our views of the gospel 
ministry. 

Fourth month 10. Visiting John S. Stokes in the eve- 
ning, he related that in the year 1826 Richard Jordan in 
the Quarterly Meeting at Haddonfield spoke in a pro- 
phetic manner, describing what would happen to our 
Society in that place, closing with, "If these things are 
not so, the Lord hath not spoken this day to me." Job 
Haines, a Friend who had hitherto traveled with Richard 
Jordan and been in close unity with him for many years, 
spoke to him after meeting, stating that the communica- 
tion had been very painful to him. Richard Jordan re- 



Age 36 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 73 

plied, "I am not sensible that I have said any more or 
less than my Master bid me." R. J. did not live to see 
the fulfillment of what he had declared, but Job Haines 
did, and would relate the above circumstance with tears, 
saying he had learned it was as important for Elders to 
mind their business as Ministers theirs. 

Fourth month. Joseph Scattergood stated in our 
Monthly Meeting that our friend, Joseph S. Elkinton, 
having for a considerable time appeared in the ministry, 
the Preparative Meeting of Ministers and Elders were 
united, that it would be proper for the case to claim the 
attention of the Monthly Meeting; that if it believed a 
gift in the ministry had been committed to him, a minute 
might be made out and forwarded to the Quarterly 
Meeting of Ministers and Elders. The Meeting con- 
cluded to forward the case and a minute was accordingly 
made. 

Oh! saith my spirit, may I be enabled to walk, as to 
bring no reproach on the blessed cause of Truth and 
Righteousness, and should Friends deem it right to place 
me in a station of such responsibility, may the Lord be 
with me, guide me, and direct my steps according to his 
own good pleasure; keep me from falling, build me up 
and give me an inheritance among those that are sancti- 
fied in Christ Jesus. But oh, the awfulness of the sacred 
office ! What need of watchfulness unto prayer, and 
taking heed to the steps that I may walk in and out with 
acceptance ! 



74 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1866 

Seventh month. Father, during the past year, has 
traveled considerably, sometimes on one appointment and 
sometimes another. He and Joseph Scattergood, in the 
Third month, visited the Indians on Long Island belong- 
ing to the Shinecock tribe. They gave an interesting 
report of their situation, found them well clothed and a 
good deal of thrift among them. There were one hun- 
dred and forty-seven men when all were at home, though 
some were out on the whale fishery. 

Again in company with Joseph Scattergood and Samuel 
Morris, father lately paid a visit to the settlement at 
Tunesassa, under the care of Friends' Indian Commitee. 
One object of their visit was to induce the Indians to 
refuse leasing their lands to the whites, which of late 
has been a growing evil. Several councils were held to 
good purpose, some of the old chiefs, in a feeling manner, 
expressing their gratitude for the continued interest in 
their welfare. 

Eleventh month 28. In our Meeting to-day I thought 
the Divine Presence was sweetly felt, and it seemed to 
be my place to fall upon my knees with the language: 
"We would not approach Thee with unhallowed lips, but 
'thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do we 
love Thee ;' " and then asked for those who were in 
suffering and who by cause of affliction and infirmity 
might be prevented from gathering to these solemn as- 
semblies, that they might be comforted with that over 



Age 36 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 75 

which disease, affliction and infirmity could not triumph ; 
that those who were neglecting their duties, prizing not 
their privileges, but might be following vanities, forsaking 
their own mercies; that the hearts of these might be 
touched as with a live coal from off the holy altar; that 
they might fear the name of the Lord and know His 
power working within them to their sanctification and 
redemption. And those who were spending their time, 
strength and substance for what they supposed the pro- 
motion of the cause, yet were not willing to go into 
suffering with the suffering seed; that these might be 
met as in a narrow place, and taught that we are nothing 
— Christ is all ; that they might be baptized and know 
more of a being washed in the laver of regeneration ; that 
their crowns might be laid at the feet of Jesus, and they 
sit down and wait for the gracious words that proceed 
out of his mouth. 

That the children might be blessed and all, young and 
old, be fed with food convenient for us. That our offer- 
ings might be made in righteousness and ascend as in- 
cense, for Thou, Father, art in heaven and we upon the 
earth. Thine alone is the power, and the glory and the 
victory and the majesty, all that is in the heaven and the 
earth, is thine. Thine is the kingdom and Thou art ex- 
alted God over all, blessed forever be thy holy worthy 
Name. 

First month 29, 186 J. Attended the funeral of Lind- 



76 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1867 

say Nicholson, and at the grave I thought it right to 
sound the language: "Be ye also ready, for in such an 
hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." The old 
must die and the young may die; may we then, one and 
all, have our accounts so prepared that, should the slender 
thread of life be severed, they might be given up with joy 
and not with grief ; that we might stand with acceptance 
before the judge of the quick and the dead, and that we 
might be permitted an entrance into that kingdom, where 
nothing impure or unholy shall ever enter. "Be ye also 
ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of 
Man cometh." 

Ninth month 4. My sister, Sarah Elkinton, was mar- 
ried to-day to Ephraim Smith. We were favored with 
a good meeting. Samuel Cope spoke on the subject of 
baptism, bringing forth the spiritual view of it ; how that 
we were baptized by the one spirit into the one body. 
One of our neighbors, who is a Baptist deacon, spoke of 
the discourse being particularly satisfactory to him, as 
he believed in the baptism of the spirit. Elizabeth Evans 
enlarged on the passage, "Except the Lord build the 
house, they labor in vain who build it." After S. E.'s 
marriage, myself and family moved into my father's 
house. 

Ninth month 2. In a meeting at Muncy I felt myself 
called upon to speak, but I had not gone far before the 
light seemed withdrawn and I told the meeting that I 
had felt that I had an opening and the word of command 



Age 37 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 77 

with a sense of the Saviour at my side, but the feeling of 
this was so withdrawn that to go on would be as one 
seeking to draw from a well without water, or as a cloud 
driven by a tempest. I felt for a time as if I would be 
glad for the floor to open and let me through, but after a 
time I felt the spirit of supplication to cover us, and 1 
made an offering in that line which afforded relief. 

A Friend afterwards told me that some time previously 
a minister had been at that place when there was a con- 
siderable number of those not members present, and the 
minister fared very much as I had done and after a few 
words had to give up. Some time after he returned and 
asked for an appointed meeting. His seemingly foolish 
appearance on the former occasion was remembered, and 
although a meeting was granted, many came in the spirit 
of curiosity, thinking he could not preach ; but the Master 
ordered it otherwise and so helped his poor servant that 
many were astonished and Truth honored in their eyes. 

Eleventh month 14. Father left home to visit the 
Indians in New York State. I had doubts of his strength 
being sufficient for the journey, as the event proved. He 
first went to Tunesassa, and then to the Cornplanter 
Reservation. The road being rough, it hurt him to 
travel, and he gave up the further prosecution of the 
journey. 

Eleventh month 11. Our son Thomas was born this 
day. 

Eleventh month 21. Extract from a letter to William 



78 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1868 

Scattergood: In reference to thy closing remarks, will 
take the liberty of responding. I never felt the liberty 
to ask for our children more than an ordinary share of 
intelligence, but if the Giver of every good and perfect 
gift will give them of his unspeakable gift of Divine 
grace with a fair share of intelligence, gratitude ought to 
clothe the hearts of their parents, followed by a righteous 
concern to seek help in training them the way they should 
go. In love, 

J. S. E. 
Twelfth month 50. Extract of a letter from William 
Bedell : Thy remembrance of me is precious. Bear me 
upon thy spirit so that when access is granted thee at the 
footstool, it may be with breathings for my growth and 
an establishment in the ever-blessed and unchangeable 
Truth, and should service be called for, may I know the 
necessary preparation and then stand open through the 
Lord's holy help, according to his will. Friends of the 
four city meetings have this winter agreed to hold meet- 
ings in the Arch Street House on Fifth-day evenings, 
some of which have been truly favored meetings. 

In love, 

J. S. E. 
First month 29, 1868. Father started with the view of 
attending Greenwich Monthly Meeting, to be held next 
day on the 30th. The stage from Bridgeton to Green- 
wich was full, so father had to ride on the front seat, and 
the ride was so cold and rough that he arrived at our 



Age 38 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 79 

dear friend Clarkson Sheppard's in a pitiable and suffer- 
ing condition. He failed in getting to Monthly Meeting 
next day as he intended, but spent the day in bed. Our 
dear friends showed him every consideration and kind- 
ness, and the following day (31st) he returned home, 
suffering very much that night and for some days after. 
He bore his sufferings with great fortitude, not allowing 
an impatient expression to pass his lips and frequently 
quoting some Scripture passage. At one time when 
suffering intense pain, he repeated the lines: 

"When o'er thy mercies, O, my God ! 
My rising soul surveys; 
Enraptured with the view, I'm lost 
In wonder, love and praise." 

The physicians did what they could and thought for a 
time his vital energies would carry him through, and after 
he was in measure relieved from the intense suffering, we 
still clung to the hope that he might again be raised up, 
but it was ordered otherwise. 

Second month p. Early in the morning father said he 
wanted to go to sleep. The last words he uttered when 
asked how he felt, were "very pleasant," but when the 
doctor came and saw him about 9 o'clock he said father 
would not wake again, and so it proved, and he passed 
away about 5.15 in the afternoon. Our Baptist neighbors 
were in their meeting for worship at the time and, hear- 
ing of the event, engaged in prayer for the family, thus 
showing their good feeling. 



80 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1868 

The funeral on the 12th was a large one and character- 
ized by a deep solemnity, others than his immediate 
family feeling they had lost a father. 

Copy of a letter to Joseph Scattergood from some 
Indians : 

Cold Spring, February 19, 1868. 
Joseph Scattergood. 

Respected Friend: Your letter of the 13th inst. is re- 
ceived last evening. It was read by Harrison Halftown 
at the meeting at the Council House, announcing the sad 
and afflicting news of the death of our beloved friend and 
brother Joseph Elkinton. 

We thought it was due us to express our sorrow, the 
great loss we had met with, such a useful and valuable 
man. We also are well aware that he loved the Indians. 
It is true, a large part of his life was spent in endeavor- 
ing to do us good, and giving the best of his life to the 
education of our people. When first school was estab- 
lished upon the Indian Settlement by our friends, the 
Quakers, he, first one, remained among us for many 
years, and devoted his abilities and his power to the 
civilization and improvement of the Indians. We are 
witnesses how earnestly he labored in order to induce 
us to be good men, and we will cherish his counsels and 
try to remember many words he has spoken to us, and 
we also refresh our minds by his memory. But little 
over two months since his last visit amongst us. He left 



Age 38 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 81 

with us a kind and wise counsel which will never be for- 
gotten. 

Signed in behalf of the meeting, 

Harrison Halftown, 
Owen Blacksnake. 

Second month 23. Extract from letter to Charles 
Rhoads : 

The solemn occasion of the funeral of our honored 
father is now past. May that which made our father 
valiant for the Truth upon the earth abound in us, that 
we also may know the Lord for ourselves and be par- 
takers of his preserving power. 

I will add to this note an extract from a book of memo- 
randa found in father's desk and dated Fourth month 22, 
1827, Tunesassa, N. Y. : 

What a great advantage there is in being faithful to 
Divine requirings, not only to the individual actually en- 
gaged in the performance of required service, to whom, 
after having been favored to be found faithful, sweet 
peace and quietness is the result, but also to the indi- 
viduals for whom the service is intended. 

I have thought of the subject on account of an occur- 
rence that took place this morning. I was reading to my 
friend R. S., and I felt a disposition to propose our going 
to the river. It was acceded to by R. S., and we accord- 
ingly went and there found some individuals in a peculiar 
circumstance, to whom we gave assistance. 

When an individual has been sent with a message from 



82 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1868 

the Most High, there will be an individual to hear or 
receive that message. How important it is then that we 
endeavor to be found faithful to the requirings of the 
Divine Master who will not require anything of us but 
what he will enable us to perform. 

In love, farewell, 

J. S. E. 

Third month 12. After father's death, being somewhat 
run down in health, Dr. Wallace advised me to take a 
sea voyage; but I had not felt easy to leave home, until 
one morning, on awakening the words passed through 
my mind, "The best thing thou canst do for thy family 
is to put thyself in condition to provide for it." A few 
hours after that my dear friend Joseph Walton came to 
see me, saying he had been thinking of me and would 
advise me to go to sea, and if I would go he would go 
with me. 

Having the approval of my family, we left Philadel- 
phia that evening for New York, where next day we took 
passage on the steamer San Salvador for Savannah, en 
route to Florida. Arrived in Savannah on the evening 
of the 10th. Next morning walked through the market 
and saw fresh shad, and early vegetables, a great con- 
trast to the streets full of snow and ice we left in Phila- 
delphia a few days before. 

Left Savannah in the Lizzie Baker for Florida. There 
was one woman on board of rather low character, who 
several times read selections to those assembled in the 



Age 38 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 83 

cabin, but on one occasion, what she read seemed so licen- 
tious that either J. W. or I commented upon the character 
of the readings and that it would be more respectful to 
the company to have better reading. Whereupon I was 
called upon to produce it and I proposed a portion of the 
Scriptures. She declined to read that book, but Joseph 
Walton read it to the apparent satisfaction of the com- 
pany. 

Third month 14. Had a grand sight of the breakers. 
The mercury was about 86° at Jacksonville. Arrived at 
Glen Cove, having enjoyed the balmy air sailing down the 
St. John's River. The hotel was crowded, but the pro- 
prietor gave us his own room, where we stayed over 
night, while the boat went farther down the river. We 
took passage on its return in the morning. On arriving 
at Savannah, we took quarters for the night, and during 
the evening J. W. and I visited a large school for colored 
adults, where each of us had religious service. 

We visited divers places of interest in Savannah. 

Third month 17. We took passage on the Pilot Boy 
for Charleston and visited several places of interest, 
amongst them the Orphan Asylum, and we went to see 
the lot belonging to Friends under the care of our Meet- 
ing for Sufferings. Some live oaks near Charleston 
have a grand appearance, covering a radius of seventy- 
five feet of ground. J. W. said he had seen a grape vine 
on the banks of the Ohio River forty-two inches in cir- 
cumference. Left Charleston Third month 20th, and on 



84 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1868 

our way north saw a remarkable deposit of shell on a 
high bank, which much interested J. W., as also meeting 
with a pupil of Agassiz, and they two spent considerable 
time talking on scientific subjects. We arrived home on 
Third month 24th. 

Fourth month 2. Extract from a letter to Horatio G. 
Cooper by J. S. E. : 

Dear Friend : I hardly supposed it necessary to write 
and tell our friends who have been in the way of coming 
to this house during the time of our annual Assembly 
that we wish them to continue so to do. Surely we have 
the more need of the strength of their company under the 
present dispensation, deprived as we are of the counsel 
and watchful care of our beloved parents. It is natural 
to draw a little nearer to those we feel to be interested 
in us, and whom we have been in the way of greeting 
with pleasure as they cross our threshold, and as our 
Yearly Meeting draws nigh our desire is they may still 
make our house their home. 

Thy acceptable letter was grateful to my feelings. 
Thy hope that we may live so near the Master as to say 
He doeth all things well implies some attainment in re- 
ligious experience; yet it is our duty to strive for it, 
especially when we consider that those who have filled 
their measure of service and of suffering, known their 
sins to have gone beforehand, are in adorable mercy ad- 
mitted into the rest which is prepared for the people of 
God, amongst whom we would ourselves surely wish to 



Age 38 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 85 

obtain an inheritance. "Thy will be done," John Thorp 
says, "is the highest anthem ever sung on earth," and it 
is what our Saviour taught us to say or ask. Our dear 
young friend, Clarkson Sheppard, in a recent letter uses 
the language, "In all things give thanks, for this is the 
will of God concerning you." So it would seem to be 
our highest interest to learn in whatsoever state we are 
to be content.— J. S. E. 

Fourth month 8. Our meeting was held in silence, but 
a renewal of strength was experienced, for which I hope 
I am grateful. 

Fourth month 24. Being on the Indian Committee of 
the Yearly Meeting in the place of my dear father, and 
that committee holding a meeting at the close of the 
Yearly Meeting, I was named on a sub-committee that 
had been under appointment to visit the different tribes 
in the State of New York, on which service my dear 
father and Joseph Scattergood started last fall, but owing 
to father's indisposition returned home. 

Ebenezer Worth, Thomas Wistar and myself were 
added to the committee. Ebenezer Worth left home on 
the 27th, and spent a few weeks among the Indians at 
Tunesassa, industriously laboring amongst them, visiting 
in their families and helping with his advice and counsel 
in various ways. 

Having thought I had seen a service for myself among 
the Indians and thinking it would be of great advantage 
to be under E. W.'s fatherly care in the prosecution of 



86 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON i 8 68 

it, consulted two other Friends of the committee, who 
encouraged me to go at this time. 

Fifth month 5. Left home for Tunesassa. Trains 
did not connect at Elmira, so had to wait for an evening 
train to Salamanca. Took my seat beside an old man, 
who, on my offering him a tract to read, said he had 
taken one out of the depot, which I had left there. "The 
Power of Divine Grace" — and which he wanted to take 
to his daughter, who he said was the only one out of 
seven children that had not religion. He had read the 
tract and seemed much impressed by it. 

Arrived at Salamanca about midnight, and next morn- 
ing proceeded to Tunesassa, where I arrived in time for 
their meeting. About twelve or thirteen of the children 
were present, all the scholars not having returned since 
their vacation. They have been slow gathering on ac- 
count of many being away hunting pigeons near Olean. 
The squabs not being quite ready to leave their nests, 
great numbers of them were taken by cutting down the 
trees. The squabs were mostly sent to the New York 
market. In the afternoon Ebenezer Worth was going to 
Oldtown, whereupon I joined him, and we visited James 
Pierce, who was at home with two nice-looking children. 
James is a preacher among the Indians and seemed like 
a grave, well-behaved man. We visited a number of 
families residing in the one neighborhood not far apart. 
The Indians were all very glad to see Ebenezer Worth, 
particularly the older ones, some of whom expressed a 



Age 38 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 87 

good feeling for father's memory. James Pierce had 
gone to school to him. Returned to Tunesassa, and next 
morning we started out to visit Owen Blacksnake, who 
lives near the bridge on the opposite side of the river. 
Owen seemed pleased to see me, said he remembered 
father and mother having a child with them when they 
left Tunesassa in 1831. We had a pleasant visit at his 
house with his family. His son Robert had recently 
married a nice-looking young woman, who had been a 
scholar of my sister Sarah's. 

We then went on our way to visit Isaac Halftown, 
president of the Seneca nation, in whose house there 
seemed to be a number of women and children, and that 
evening we held a council. When coming to this council 
I, for the first time, saw women carrying their pappooses 
on their backs. E. W. had a good deal to say, declaring 
his love for them and desired that they might give heed 
to the Good Spirit, after which I also relieved my mind. 

Isaac Halftown, the president, made some remarks, 
stating that the Indians were trying to do as we said; 
that in early times they made their living by hunting, but 
now the game was all gone and they had to get their 
living out of the ground. Formerly there was but one 
yoke of oxen in the neighborhood, but now there were a 
good many. In the evening we were annoyed by a man 
under the influence of liquor, using profane language 
and taking unbecoming freedom with E. W., taking his 
hat off from him and talking about the Quakers and 



88 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1868 

trying to show off by repeating Scripture texts, but being 
in no suitable condition to address, E. W. bore his im- 
pudence. 

The next morning at the breakfast table, the same man 
being very profane, I felt drawn to speak. E. W. still 
felt he was in no condition for it, but meeting him in 
the stables, I addressed him on the subject of drink and 
profanity and from his answer thought it was a mistake, 
but it opened the way for E. W. to speak in such a man- 
ner that he was brought to tears and acknowledged the 
evil of the practice and said he was obliged to us. 

Fifth month p. Spent the remainder of the day visiting 
Indian families in the neighborhood of Salamanca. At 
one home, John Lewis seemed wonderfully amused at 
hearing E. W. say that I was "Joseph Elkintons boy," 
he having a lively recollection of father. Returned that 
night to the school at Tunesassa, after making arrange- 
ments for a meeting at Red House on the 11th. 

Fifth month n. Started out for the meeting at Red 
House, and when we arrived the school was in session. 
It shocked E. W. when I said to the children that they 
might go home and tell their parents that Ebenezer 
Worth was there and would meet with them at 1 o'clock. 
E. W. exclaimed, "Oh ! Joseph !" But the children were 
off, and the call was responded to by a large number of 
the women and most of the children in the neighborhood, 
but not an Indian man was present, they being off hunting 
or rafting. Soon after we gathered together, E. W. 



Age 38 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 89 

turned to me and said, ''Joseph, if thee has anything to 
say, say on." I then gave expression to what was on 
my mind, and afterward E. W. spoke to them in a very 
affecting manner. They behaved in a becoming manner, 
and I have been in many larger gatherings where there 
seemed to be less life, the baptizing and cementing influ- 
ence being sensibly felt. We made two or three efforts 
to close the meeting, E. W. telling the company that we 
did not wish to hold them longer, and after a time spoke 
again, but they still remained seated, and it was not until 
E. W. and I rose and slowly walked up the road that they 
gave way and followed us and clustered around us in a 
way that was very touching. After visiting a few families 
we returned to Tunesassa, and the next day I started 
homeward, arriving on the evening of the 13th with a 
pleasant retrospect of the trip. 

Sixth month i. Letter to a friend: 

Dear : Feeling my heart clothed with a feeling 

that it is not at our command, although I so lately saw 
thee, yet w T hilst I feel the flowing of the pure gospel 
stream, will take the pen to communicate that which has 
arisen, hoping that it may touch a chord in thy heart. 

And, dear , this is what I want, that we should seek 

the Lord God of our fathers, that He may be found of us ; 
that we may know Him for ourselves, serving Him with 
an undivided heart, knowing Jesus Christ to be our 
Saviour, and our Deliverer, our Leader and our Teacher, 
and Guide and Director in that high and holy way 



90 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1868 

which is cast for the ransomed and the redeemed of the 
Lord to walk in. Do not let us be spending our life or 
feeding on the failings or short-comings of others; no, 
not any one. We know that unless we are under the 
Divine influence ourselves we go astray, and have need 
of that mercy that the dear Saviour breathed forth when 
he was asked, "How often shall my brother trespass 
against me and I forgive him? until seven times seven?" 
Jesus said, "I say not until seven times, but until seventy 
times seven." If we feed upon the faults of our brethren 
there is danger of starving ourselves. Let it be our meat 
and our drink to do the will of our Father who is in 
heaven, reverently waiting upon Him more often than 
the returning morning, for the knowledge of his will 
concerning us, for the renewal of our strength. 

Desiring thy prosperity in every way and that we may 
both be clothed with that charity that is described by the 
apostle. Farewell, in sincerity. 

Thy friend, 

Joseph S. Elkinton. 

Sixth month 2/. I have been on the Grand Jury the 
past four weeks. We had a murder case on hand yester- 
day, in which I did not feel easy to take any part, for 
which I was censured. Until the law is changed that 
requires sentence of death on those committed I do not 
want anything to do with them. I cannot answer for 
other men's consciences, but will try to keep my hands 
clear from the shedding of blood. We visited, in our 



Age 38 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 91 

official capacity, the Almshouse, where there are nearly 
three thousand inmates, and I doubt there being found a 
similar institution in better order, though there is con- 
siderable room for improvement in some respect on 
account of being too much crowded in some of the de- 
partments, particularly in the colored nursery, but the 
rooms generally and the good order prevailing were 
admirable ; not a baby cried, not a child indulged in rude 
behavior, not a sick person complained, and only a few 
of the insane boisterous. There were about six hundred 
in the insane department. In our presentment to the 
Court we are appealing for more liberal accommodations 
for this afflicted class. In one of the wards was an old 
woman reading her Bible, and as we approached she 
addressed us in such a way that made our company, of 
about twenty in number, stand around with great respect, 
most of them taking off their hats. Tears were shed as 
the good old woman poured forth her very soul in praise 
and gratitude unto the Lord for his blessings and mercies. 
Sixth month 25. Our little son Thomas having been 
quite sick and thinking trie sea air would be beneficial, 
we took him to Atlantic City Sixth month 25, 1868. 
However, he did not improve, but grew steadily worse, 
and we sent for a consulting physician from Philadelphia, 
who came down and stayed all night. Our little boy died 
the First of Seventh month, aged seven months. The 
funeral was held in Philadelphia, at my brother Thomas 



92 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1868 

Elkinton's, where quite a company of Friends showed 
their sympathy by giving us their presence. 

Letter from Malinda Elkinton to her sister : 

Atlantic City, Seventh month 14, 1868. 

My dear Sister : We received thy sympathizing letter. 
I often feel there is much consolation in thinking of the 
beloved happy state where my angel baby now is, so 
safe from all the future trials and temptations that would 
come to his pathway had he grown to manhood; yet 
nature's feelings must keenly feel parting with such 
precious little ones, the mortal body is dead to us and 
tears of sorrow, mingled, I trust, with calm resignation, 
I have felt to be allowable when I remember our blessed 
Saviour wept. Just one week from the time we came 
here we returned with the little lifeless form ; how sad we 
felt. I rejoice his sufferings were not prolonged, as it 
pleased Him who loaned him, to recall him with Him 
and his to dwell. Second-day night, Third-day and night 
he was very sick, his countenance changed so much : he 
lay quiet for two hours before his little spirit left us, 
which was a comfort. How lovely he looked even in 
death; he was a darling baby. But it has pleased our 
merciful and all-wise Creator to take him from us, and 
may it be the means of drawing us nearer to Him that 
we may be ready to join the loved ones that have gone 
before. 

With much love, affectionately thy sister, 

M. E. 



Age 38 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 93 

Eleventh month 20. Extract from a letter by J. S. E. : 
I accepted thy letter as a little evidence of that secret 
invisible fellowship, which is known to exist among the 
living members of the family of Christ, as thy mind was 
towards me when passing through a great dispensation, 
wherein I was as one struck dumb with astonishment, in 
the removal by death of a beloved father, so suddenly 
from the stage of action. Thy letter was dated the day 
of his death. Since then we have parted with one of our 
little ones. Varied are the dispensations of Divine Provi- 
dence, who giveth and taketh away at his pleasure. But 
as all that we have and all that we are, are of Him, 
whether it be health, strength or life itself ; it is in place 
to strive after that which enables us to say, "Not my will, 
but thine be done." Our dear friend Clarkson Sheppard 
wrote in a letter to me soon after father's death : "In 
everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in 
Christ Jesus concerning you." An attainment surely, and 
as all things are possible unto Him with whom we have 
to do, He can enable us, as we abide in Christ Jesus, to 
glorify Him even in tribulation. 
In love, 

Joseph S. Elkinton. 
Third month, 1869. Laid before the Monthly Meeting 
to-day a concern to visit in the love of the Gospel a few 
of the meetings composing Haddonfield Quarterly Meet- 
ing, and appoint some public meetings within its limits. 
There were a few expressions of encouragement given, 



94 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1869 

which is a strength, the unity of Friends being precious. 

Fifth month p. Attended a meeting appointed to be 
held among the colored people of Snow Hill. As I 
walked up to the platform I saw a person sitting there 
and felt that man means us no good, and there seemed 
a cloud over the assembly. After a little time the man 
rose and said, "We are saved by practical righteousness, 
as Jesus Christ was saved." It was very trying to me 
to have such doctrine put before the people, as if Jesus 
Christ, through whom we obtained salvation, needed 
anything. I arose and said, "It is not by works of right- 
eousness which we have done, but according to his mercy 
He saveth us by the washing of regeneration and renew- 
ing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly 
through Jesus Christ our Saviour." The man made 
another speech which I felt like answering, but those col- 
ored people were not called there to hear a controversy, 
and I hesitated to rise, but at this time my companion, 
Joseph Snowdon, came out with a noble testimony for 
the Truth, saying he could not let that opportunity pass 
without leaving his testimony to the Divinity of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, and when he finished I stood up and went 
on with my service in the meeting. 

Fifth month. We have had at our house the company 
of two English Friends, Daniel Pickard and John Sykes. 
I have become much attached to D. P. He is gentle in 
his manner, an unobtrusive, good-spirited Friend, yet 
possessed of intellectual ability and quickness of discern- 



Age 39 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 95 

ment. He has spoken briefly and weightily in several of 
our meetings and in some family opportunities. 

Seventh month JJ. Received a telegram informing us 
of the death of sister Rachel Patterson, who has been 
teaching school for a short time in Iowa. 

She contracted measles from one of her pupils. The 
disease ran its course very rapidly. I took a train for 
Atlantic City to carry the sad intelligence of the death of 
our dear sister Rachel to my dear wife, at that time 
spending a few weeks at the shore. I had set my heart 
on sister Rachel as having gifts and graces to be occupied 
in the Church militant for a much longer period than was 
vouchsafed. Of a truth the impressive sermon is preached 
in her death that "Here we have no continuing city ;" and 
it will be well for us, one and all, to seek that which is 
eternal. 

Extract from a letter by J. S. E., dated Twelfth 
month 6, 1869 : 

I will relate a beautiful instance of silent preaching: 
Our late beloved friend, Ellen Cozens, was an invalid 
and, through great suffering from inflammatory rheuma- 
tism, was much distorted in her person, yet exceedingly 
cheerful in her disposition. She had a little school, the 
children collecting around her chair to receive instruction, 
both spiritual and intellectual. One of the children had 
an aunt with a very irritable temperament, she being like- 
wise much afflicted, but without the support of Divine 
Grace. On being told by her niece how the Christian 



96 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1869 

virtues shone in her teacher and that a complaint was 
never heard from her lips, the aunt was so astonished at 
the seeming impossibility that it led to serious reflections 
and a sincere seeking for that over which afflictions have 
no power. She wrestled not in vain, for the Lord an- 
swered her and she became a changed woman. 

Twelfth month 20. Left home on a business trip to 
New York, expecting to stop off at New Brunswick to 
see a manufacturer there, but as the train stopped at 
Trenton a voice within me said, "Get off and go to meet- 
ing." Not knowing it was meeting day there, I felt in- 
clined to put the impression aside, but it was too strong, 
so I went up into the town and seeing some Friends on 
their way to meeting, I joined them. I had somewhat to 
offer on the passage, "Blessed are the pure in heart for 
they shall see God." Taking the cars about 3 P. M., it 
was rather late in the day for business when I arrived in 
New Brunswick, but I met the man I wanted to see just 
returning home from a trip, so that I would have been 
unable to have seen him earlier. He invited me to his 
office and we had a very successful interview. I con- 
sidered it an exemplification of the Scripture declaration 
that "All things shall work for good to them who love 
the Lord." 

Fourth month, 1870. Extract from a letter to M. V. 
from J. S. E., dated Fourth month 26, 1870: 

Yearly Meeting is now over, and I trust in the main 
was held to the honor of Truth. We issued a document 



Age 40 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 97 

bearing testimony against that spirit so rife amongst us, 
of making the way to the kingdom so easy, without the 
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ who did indeed bear our 
sins, and died for us that we might live. Yet his right- 
eousness will not be imputed unto us until we are brought 
down in the spirit of our minds and are willing to re- 
nounce the life we may have in this world, whether it be 
in its pleasures or its treasures, and follow the Lamb 
which is slain from the foundation of the world through 
sufferings, baptisms and death itself (that is, of the 
creaturely part in us) ere we can be raised up with Him 
in the newness of life, having indeed and in truth known 
of true repentance. 

The report of the Indian Committee elicited consider- 
able interest in the Yearly Meeting. The subordinate 
Meetings are recommended to raise a subscription to 
increase the funds at the disposal of the Committee for 
the furtherance of the concern which I trust will be re- 
sponded to. (After mentioning some who were afflicted, 
J. S. E. writes) : A vast amount of suffering in this 
world ! Well for us all that there is one who, in all our 
afflictions, may be afflicted with us, and command the 
angel of his presence for our support, that we may, if 
rightly sought after, experience that over which affliction 
hath no power. It matters not whether we be in health 
or in sickness, in life or in death, so that we are in our 
proper places and whilst in the body the Lord's will be 
wrought in, through and by us, as it most surely will be 



98 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1870 

when we leave the body, if through his love and mercy 
and power and our co-operating therewith, our peace is 
made, and we permitted to stand with acceptance before 
the judgment seat of Christ and hear the welcome lan- 
guage, "Thou has been faithful over a few things, enter 
thou into the joy of thy Lord," and I trust a foretaste of 
this shall be known on this side of the river, for surely 
the song of the ransomed and redeemed is to be learned 
in this state of being, even the song of Moses and the 
Lamb. "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God 
Almighty; just and true are all thy ways Thou King of 
Saints." Farewell, thy Cousin, 

J. S. E. 

Fifth month 14 Last First-day (8th) an almost, if 
not entirely unprecedented hailstorm did great damage in 
this part of the country, to the injury of both man and 
beast exposed thereto. Some loss of life and a vast 
amount of glass broken, in addition to vegetation being 
much destroyed in places. Hailstones were reported 
from five to eleven inches in circumference. One went 
through our parlor window with a force that drove the 
glass across the room. 

Taken from a letter written by J. S. E., Twelfth 
month 26, 1870: 

I have been looking over a letter, written to me by my 
father while he was traveling with William ^"ans in 
Iowa, from which I will copy an extract: "Be faithful, 
my dear son, to the manifested requisitions of the good 



Age 40 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 99 

spirit concerning thee, and all other things will then work 
right. I believe thou hast been concerned so to do, and 
I have no doubt thou hast had thy reward in the midst 
(as it were) of thy anxieties which at times I expect thou 
hast felt not a few. Go on, love the Lord thy God with 
all thy heart, with all thy soul, might and strength. Let 
him have the first place in thy heart, and all things will 
then work for thy good." (Ninth month 13, 1851.) The 
memory of such a counsellor is indeed precious ; but we 
cannot always have them to lean upon; they must be 
allowed to pass on to their eternal rest, and we, following 
after, must endeavor to draw our supplies from the in- 
exhaustible Fountain of which they partook, and if hap- 
pily found in the nurture and admonition of the Lord 
ourselves, be a little qualified to exert an influence in 
that direction to the young and rising generation, whom 
to see rightly brought under religious exercise would 
gladden our hearts more than the increase of corn, wine 
or oil. And as the Lord hath never despised the wrest- 
lings for his blessings, let us preserve both on our own 
accounts and those near and dear to us. 
Farewell in love, 

Joseph S. Elkinton. 
First month 22, 1871. Went with my friend, William 
U. Ditzler, to Middletown Meeting, which he attended 
in the course of a religious visit, holding public meetings 
within the limits of Philadelphia and Concord Quarterly 
Meetings. In the morning meeting, I had rather an open 



100 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON isn 

time, and there was that there that was near the best life, 
both in the older and middle-aged, to whom the language 
of encouragement was held forth, and an invitation given 
to those who had not sufficiently yielded themselves unto 
the service of the King of Kings, that they might yet close 
in with the offers of mercy still extended. ... At the 
public meeting in the afternoon the house was pretty 
well filled, particularly on the women's side, and a good 
degree of solemnity overspread. William and I both were 
engaged in testimony, and William in supplication. The 
importance of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices 
was on our minds, and it seemed as if many had come 
together with their hearts too little prepared to offer 
acceptable worship, but I trust Truth was in dominion. 

In the evening a public meeting was held with the 
colored people in their Meeting-house, which was full. 
Much counsel seemed to flow, William, Thomas Yarnall 
and myself all endeavoring to relieve our minds. The 
people were quiet and attentive. 

First month 25. Our Monthly Meeting to-day. The 
first meeting was a favored season. After the answering 
of the queries, Dr. Charles Evans spoke at some length 
and in an emphatic manner on the importance of our 
individually applying the queries to ourselves that we 
might be concerned to live up to the spirit of them. 

First month 25. Extract from a letter to a sister 
(about to be married) : 

A true union in the marriage covenant is an unspeak- 



Age 41 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 101 

able blessing where there is one heart and one mind, 
they twain becoming one flesh' and one another's joy 
and rejoicing in Him who alone can form a true union, 
qualifying a true helpmeet, giving a sympathy of interest 
and feeling in those things which pertain to our highest 
interests. . . . — J. S. E. 

Fourth month 3. Attended the Select School on the 
boys' side, as a member of the Committee on Religious 
Instruction. The Scripture and Catechism lessons were 
satisfactorily recited, and I requested to have the two 
schools collected, the Primary School to come down to 
the others, while I improved an opportunity not only to 
express the comfort I felt to see that the children had 
done their part so well in committing their lessons to 
memory, but also to express the desire that they might 
seek to draw nigh unto Him of whom the Scriptures did 
so abundantly testify, and the breathing of my spirit was 
that they might come up in a knowledge of our principles 
and testimonies; and I enlarged particularly on the im- 
portance of keeping to simplicity and truthfulness in 
language and behavior in accordance with the Scripture 
declaration, "I will turn to the people a pure language." 

Third month 10, 1871. 
Abram and Esther Weeks, 

Dear Friends : The religion of the present day is too 
much that of education and tradition without enough of 
those heart cleansings and baptisms, and conflicts of 
spirit, and men knowing their own hearts to be changed 



102 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1871 

before they try to change the hearts of others. I think 
the Journal of William Evans gives evidence of his 
preparation for the ministry, and his observations on 
many points are instructive, and I have taken pleasure 
in presenting one to you, trusting it may prove acceptable 
reading. It being our custom to gather the family after 
tea for reading, we took up this evening the observations 
concerning Hannah Gibbons, which are so in accordance 
with my own views and which impressed my mind on 
taking up the pen and commenting on our little book of 
sketches, that I will cut out the article and enclose it 
Some tell us in these days that their salvation is secure 
and their peace surely made, that if at any time the 
thread of their life were cut, they are assured all is well, 
which state of unwholesomeness is, in my apprehension, 
a fearful one. . . . 

Last Seventh-day our valued friend, Moses Comfort, 
an elder of Fallsington, was buried; a prince in Israel, 
one who surely possessed the ornament of a meek and 
quiet spirit, as well as the spirit of discernment. Would 
that more such were raised up as watchmen on the walls 
of our Zion, who though it might be in secret, would still 
cry unto the living God and give him no rest until Zion 
be established and Jerusalem made the praise of the 
whole earth. Samuel Bettle and William U. Ditzler are 
continuing their labors in the towns and manufacturing 
districts. Three or four public meetings this week, and 
next First-day in the neighborhood of Wilmington. If 



Age 41 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 103 

the knowledge of the Lord is but increased by the run- 
ning to and fro, it will indeed be cause of rejoicing. 

J. S. E. 

Fourth month 21. After an hour of deep inward exer- 
cise in Meeting, I stood forth and held up to view the 
doctrine that we were reconciled by the death of Christ, 
and saved by his life, even by the Living Word abiding 
in us and giving us dominion over all uncleanness, even 
the victory over ourselves and an ability to serve God 
aright. 

Ninth month 20. On the afternoon of the 18th was 
held a meeting of the Indian Committee, one of the most 
interesting I have attended. An able written report was 
produced of the visit of the sub-committee to see to the 
division of the Cornplanter estate among his heirs. 
Thomas Wistar said there had been nothing in his inter- 
course with the Indians during the past forty years which 
afforded so much satisfaction as the accomplishment of 
this matter, and he rejoiced that he had lived to see it 
accomplished. 

The following is abridged from an account of an inter- 
view with a clergyman J. S. E. met on the cars, traveling 
from Trenton to Jersey City in the summer or fall of 
1871: 

The clergyman first addressed J. S. E. by asking what 
was the important news of the day. J. S. E. adverted 
to the fighting going on between the German and French 
armies and that it was calculated to sadden the heart of 



104 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON isn 

all Christians as being contrary to the Christian religion 
to be so engaged in strife and violence. When the query- 
was put to J. S. E. whether he believed the time would 
come when men would cease to resent injuries or whether 
it were possible for man to attain that state, J. S. E. 
responded that it was the work and office of the Gospel 
of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring men to this, and it 
certainly would be brought about, individually, as men 
yielded to the influences of his spirit and truth, a mani- 
festation of which was given to all, and which would, in 
the first place, take away the occasion of all wars and 
fightings, being a spirit of love and not of hatred, and 
giving no offense. The clergyman then quoted the moral 
law, the law of Moses, "an eye for an eye," "a tooth for 
a tooth," and also the command, as he called it, that 
"Who so sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be 
shed," which latter J. S. E. said he would accept more as 
a prophecy than as a command, and which we saw ever 
being carried out by those who took the sword perishing 
by the sword, but to carry out as a command the taking 
of life literally would soon lead into an absurdity, as the 
world would be depopulated. After discoursing some- 
what further on that subject, he said "we have one sub- 
ject on which we have you Quakers, and that is on bap- 
tism, for there were two positive commands 'Go ye 
therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the 
name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.' " J. S. E. 
replied that he would accept that as a command, believing 



Age 41 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 105 

it to be such; but as the Bible did not say baptize with 
water, he would have it taken as it did say, in the name of 
the Father, Son, etc., which he received as being in his 
spirit and power, living presence, etc., into which all must 
be brought themselves before they can ever be instru- 
mental in bringing others into it, even as none can baptize 
with water without first going into that element them- 
selves.'' And appealing to the clergyman by way of illus- 
tration, he said: 'Thou are going to New York, and if 
thou art a man of influence thou wilt (it may be insensi- 
bly to thyself) assuredly bring all those thou art in contact 
with, in some measure, into the same spirit wherewith 
thou thyself art actuated, if in an evil spirit thou wilt 
influence others to evil, but if under the influence of the 
Holy Spirit thyself, so wilt thou baptize others by thy 
example and conversation into the same." Some remarks 
on his part brought forth the following: "If thou hadst 
been one with others who had strayed from the right 
path, and through the mercy of God by the strivings of 
his spirit brought into trouble of mind therefor, yea 
sorrow of soul because of a sense of thy lost and un- 
done condition with something of a sight of sins being 
set in order, and under this condemnation a living cry 
being raised for a Saviour, and this being as from the 
depths of the soul, and the Lord in his mercy giving ear 
thereto and in his own time causing the Saviour to appear 
by raising up a little hope for the forgiveness of sins 
through repentance, and when in answer to the bleat- 



106 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1871 

ing of the soul, a little sense of this forgiveness being 
received, what then did we care for anything outward or 
what need had we further of any outward ordinance? 
And there being none, let us bless the name of our 
Father in Heaven and be clothed more with a spirit of 
thankfulness in that God hath sent his beloved Son into 
the world and into our hearts." 

To all this the clergyman said he believed he under- 
stood me, though he did not see with me. He next 
brought up the subject of the ministry, saying "I suppose 
from the ease in bringing up Scripture, you are a min- 
ister?" and, querying if it were not so, J. S. E. replied: 
"I once heard of a Friend being asked that question, and 
he replied, 'a very small one.' " He then said, "Suppose 
you wanted to hold a meeting in a town, would you not 
read up some sermons beforehand as being thereby the 
better prepared for the people?" J. S. E. responded: "We 
had best look at the motive in calling the people together ; 
if it were to please the people, then we might perhaps 
study up how to do it, but if our object was to unite with 
them in reverential worship, the more quiet and inward 
in Spirit and emptied of all thoughts of external things, 
the more likely would we be to get into a communion of 
Spirit, and if the Lord wished to use one of the company 
through whom to communicate his will by a message, He 
knowing all things and what most the congregation stood 
in need of, could in accordance therewith fill the instru- 
ment and commission him to deliver that wherewith he 



Age 41 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 107 

was intrusted, which might be supposed to be better than 
any other gathered material, however well it might have 
been adapted to another occasion or company when pre- 
viously delivered, even supposing it to have been author- 
ized." 

This subject being thus treated on, the last one taken 
up was that of inter-marrying with other religious so- 
cieties, which the clergyman introduced by saying, "You 
disown your members who marry out of your Society:" 
to which I replied, "That was a point on which we were 
judged considerably and I did not expect to satisfy him 
about it, but in the neighborhood where I lived it was 
true we did disown them if we failed to convince their 
understanding of the inconsistency or disadvantage of the 
thing, but in other neighborhoods they were not so strict 
and let them slip. But I would endeavor to give him a 
reason for our actions on this matter. Believing as we 
did that our mission as a religious Society was to bear 
testimony before the world to the spirituality of the 
Gospel dispensation and that spiritual-mindedness be- 
comes us and being concerned to draw into an inward 
waiting state and frame of mind, the doctrines of the 
Gospel would be opened and the testimony springing from 
them would be observed in the life and liveliness which 
would be very much hindered by being connected with a 
companion in life whose faith was different and to whom 
the principles of the everlasting truth had not been thus 
made clear, and that as it was designed that those who 



108 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1871 

married were to be one in spirit, the going together of 
those of different faith must be to the lowering of the 
standard, and the children of such would, in all probabil- 
ity, be brought up, some with the father and some with 
the mother, or what would be most likely, without much 
regard for religion or respect for religious characters, 
having heard so much criticism." To this the clergyman 
said, "We do not judge you so much as you think, for we 
see the disadvantage of these things," and he wished 
they would make a rule of discipline to put a stop to 
it. As this was unexpected to me, I thought it a good 
stopping place, and having occupied nearly all the time 
in passing from Trenton to Jersey City, conversing, we 
brought it to a close. 



CHAPTER IV. 
Special Providences. 
Fourth month 18, 1872. After the death of Wesley 
Meeker, an employee in the factory, who died of blood 
poisoning resulting from getting a finger crushed in the 
machinery, I had all the men in the factory called to- 
gether and spoke of the trial it was to me that one of 
their number, whilst assisting me in obtaining a liveli- 
hood, should lose his own life. I expressed a desire for 
them to give heed to any impressions they might be 
favored with by way of restraint, which if attended to 
might be a means of preservation, and I told them of two 
circumstances in my own experience as illustrations of 
what I meant to convey. One was that when making 
for a train to Atlantic City one summer I had a watch- 
word given me to "take the next train," which I did not 
want to do, as it might prevent me from getting to the 
shore in time for a bath in the surf that afternoon, so 
walked on and felt the watchword again, "take the next 
train," which I again put aside. As the day was sultry 
in the city, I felt anxious to get to the shore, but on 
receiving the watchword the third time, "take the next 
train," I gave heed and did so, and found later that the 
previous train on which I had intended to have gone, had 
been wrecked a little beyond Haddonfield. After it left 
Camden a heavy shower came on and washed away the 
foundation of the bridge; several lives were lost in con- 

109 



110 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1872 

sequence of the wreck. I also stated that on one occasion 
I was standing under the hatchway in the Second street 
factory with one of my little boys, and by a singular 
providence was impressed to leave the spot, just in time 
to avoid being crushed by a considerable amount of goods 
which fell through the hatchway from above. 

As the men stood around me I was drawn to engage 
in prayer on our behalf, that we might know of the 
preserving power and in mercy be favored from time to 
time with the monitions of the Good Spirit. It was a 
solemn occasion and one that I trust will hold a place 
in our memories. 

At the grave of Wesley Meeker one of the pall-bearers 
acted as chaplain, and I thought I never heard anything 
spoken at the graveside with more feeling than he ex- 
hibited, but I felt that death was very near to some one 
amongst us standing there, as if one were about to step 
into the grave, and I was afraid to express my thoughts 
lest I should be supposed to be laboring under some 
aberration of mind. I told my wife how I felt on my 
return home, and in the course of ten days the man who 
read the funeral services died. On his return home from 
the funeral of Wesley Meeker he said to his wife that 
he would never go out of his house again alive, which 
proved to be the case, as he had ruptured a blood-vessel, 
probably from the strain in carrying or lifting the coffin. 

Seventh month 2. Came to Stroudsburg with my wife 
and our two younger boys. 



Age 42 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 111 

Seventh month 5. Occupied some of my time reading 
in my father's diary of some of his exercises at the 
opening of the school at Tunesassa, which was begun 
with a very small number and increased to seventeen or 
twenty occasionally, and they were visited by Indian men 
and women who offered such advice and counsel to the 
children as tended to uphold father's hands. Father was 
often brought into low places and frequent breathing for 
help and ability to keep the mastery over himself in time 
of trial, and often was he put to the test by the perverse- 
ness of the children about him, but his memorandums 
show that he was concerned to draw near to the Fountain 
of all good, whereby he was strengthened to run the race 
set before him. 

Seventh month 8. I left Stroudsburg with our son 
William and went to New York, passing through a moun- 
tainous country. The weather in New York was oppres- 
sively warm and difficult to endure. We took the steamer 
Franconia for Portland, being joined by J. G. H. and 
his brother. 

Seventh month 10. Arrived at Portland, having had a 
smooth passage. Remained in the vicinity of Portland 
about five days, visiting Cushing Island, North Berwick 
Meeting, etc. 

Seventh month ij. We took steamer to St. Johns, and 
on the seventeenth left St. Johns for Halifax. 

St. Johns, Seventh month 17, 1872. 

Dear Brother: We stayed at Cushing Island till 



112 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1872 

Sixth-day afternoon, intending to sail up the coast as far 
as Mt. Desert that night, but it looked so dark and dismal 
and threatening a heavy storm, we drew back, thinking 
it would not be nice to be driven on some rocks, or 
wrecked on some island, so took lodgings at a hotel until 
next morning. No boat going or coming this way until 
Second-day night, we went over to Berwick and stayed 
at William Hill's, where we were entertained with great 
hospitality. I got into some business ; son William called 
it visiting families. Sister S. has knowingly said there 
is no telling what I am at and brother T. has his own 
notions of it. We came on here, arriving yesterday morn- 
ing. Visited the soap factory of the place where they say 
our silicate suits them better than any other. English is 
sold here. We are now started for Halifax, where we 
hope to arrive this evening. 

Affectionately, thy brother, J. S. E. 
Seventh month 24. Embarked on the steamer Fal- 
mouth for Portland, and heard from one of the pas- 
sengers of the loss of the steamer New England, about 
fifteen miles from Eastport on the rocks, day before 
yesterday. This was the vessel in which we sailed about 
a week previously from Portland to St. Johns, and whilst 
passing near the place where the boat afterward struck, 
my spirit was greatly exercised for fear of disaster, yet 
I felt a secret watchword that she would go through 
safely this time. A great amount of drinking was allowed 
on board, and what was very noticeable, there was no 



Age 42 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 113 

Bible to be seen, but instead were books of a pernicious 
character lying on the cabin table, such as were calculated 
to undermine faith in the Christian religion. 

Seventh month 26. Came from Portland to Boston. 
Visited the State House and had a view of Harvard Col- 
lege. Left Boston and came by way of Fall River, taking 
steamer Bristol for New York. 

Eighth month 31. Seated in my office at the factory 
I read in the morning paper the notice of the funeral of 
W. P. Walton, to be buried in Friends' old burying 
ground at Darby, and it took a strong hold on my mind 
so that it was not easy to get from under it. I felt 
restrained, however, from going to the residence, so went 
in my own conveyance to the grave, where I awaited the 
arrival of the funeral company. I was engaged at the 
graveside in an earnest exhortation to the import that 
some had need to tremble as one after another was taken 
from amongst us and that we should all have to stand 
before the judgment seat of Christ to give account of 
our deeds. I pleaded with the young to mind the day of 
their visitation. After the opportunity, a religious man 
among the Baptists stepped up to me and said, "I thank 
God that he gave you courage to speak as you did, for I 
know it was appropriate."* 



♦Some months after this I was riding in the cars when a 
notable person, who was at that funeral, being in the same car, 

said to me : "That service at 's funeral we could have 

borne very well if you had kept that Jesus out of it." I replied 



114 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1872 

Ninth month 3. 

Dear Brother and Sister: Although my M. has 
doubtless in her letter given some evidence of our feel- 
ings of sympathy with you in the bereavement for your 
youngest, yet I thought I would add a little and respond 
to the remarks in one of your letters that the little ones 
had a stronger hold than we knew of until they were 
taken away. It is indeed like parting with a part of one's 
self. Life's journey is compassed about with its trials 
and experiences. One thing after another overtakes us, 
doubtless designed to deepen us and drive us home to 
that which is immutable, for we see that our hold on all, 
or any, created things, however dear, is but at the pleasure 
of the Almighty Creator, Provider and Disposer, whose 
we are, and all that we have, who giveth and taketh at his 
pleasure, and none durst say to Him, "What doest thou?" 
If there is any one gift more than another to be desired, 
it seems to me to be that attainment wherein we can adopt 
the sentiment that He doeth all things well, and in every- 
thing give thanks. . . . 

There is one consolation respecting the little ones who 
may be taken in their innocency and infancy — they are 

that Jesus was all I had to preach. This remark accounted for 
the feeling of restraint I had about going to the residence of the 
deceased, where I believe were gathered together a good many 
learned men as to the learning of this world, but who were dis- 
believers in the Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ and lacking 
that knowledge to which there is nothing that can be compared. 



Age 42 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 115 

spared the temptations incident to a lengthened journey, 
and consequently their parents are spared the anxieties 
lest they be overcome therewith. Oh, the snares and the 
stratagems that beset the pathway and the sufferings, too, 
of a lengthened-out course; still, for the watchful, obe- 
dient children, there is a way and a power over all. 

This is the anniversary of our wedding day — sixteen 
years since your sister and I stood side by side in the 
Meeting-house on the hill at Somerton and entered into 
the marriage covenant, in which time we have had some 
exercises, nevertheless the Divine blessing has not been 
withheld and thankfulness I trust, does cover our spirits 
under a sense of the mercies that have been vouchsafed. 
Of the sixty- three who signed the marriage certificate, 
fifteen have departed this life, some of them we have 
good reason to believe with a well-grounded hope of a 
glorious immortality, having honestly endeavored to serve 
their generation according to the Divine will. Will not 
He, who visited them with the day-spring from on high ; 
who tendered and contrited their spirits in early life ; who 
humbled them and brought them under the sanctifying in- 
fluence of his grace ; who made them instruments for the 
promotion of his cause; who upheld them, supported 
them and enabled them to lay their heads in peace, be 
with the survivors? Surely, He is no respecter of per- 
sons, and those who submit to the forming and fash- 
ioning hand will be enabled to fill up their measure of 
service and sufferings and receive the welcome greeting, 



116 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1872 

"Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into 
the joy of thy Lord." — J. S. E. 

Joseph S. Elkinton was drawn as a juror in the Quarter 
Sessions Court of Philadelphia, and notified to appear 
Ninth month 23, 1872. 

Having previously been appointed upon an important 
committee of his religious Society, which met at the same 
hour, he requested his brother Thomas to appear for him 
and excuse his absence for a few hours. 

While T. E. was seated in court, waiting for an oppor- 
tunity, an officer of the court requested him to be kind 
enough to remove his hat, to which T. E. replied, "1 am 
a Friend," which was apparently satisfactory, as the 
officer said no more. T. E. thought the matter was ended 
and hearing the judge speaking to him, supposed he was 
ready for his business, and stepped to the bar for the 
purpose of explaining his errand in court, but found to 
his surprise that the judge was speaking about his hat. 
The first words of the judge were not heard by him, but 
the words following were : "I don't care what the excuse 
it, it is not respectful." Either just before the judge 
spoke or simultaneously T. E. repeated to another officer 
at the bar, "I am a Friend." When the judge had fin- 
ished, T. E. remained standing without moving, and the 
officer gently removed his hat. The hat being now in 
possession of the court, T. E. reflected that it was there 
by their own action without any connivance of his, and he 
then sat down. At a suitable time afterward the excuse 



Age 42 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 117 

of J. S. E.'s temporary absence was given and was satis- 
factory to the judge. J. S. E. appeared about 12 o'clock 
and reported to the clerk, but the court was about to 
adjourn and he was thereby released for the day. 

Ninth month 24. J. S. E. attended court about the 
usual time without knowing what had transpired con- 
cerning his brother the previous day. Soon after the 
opening of. the court an officer told him that the judge 
requested him to take off his hat, to which request he 
quietly shook his head in the negative, and the officer 
turned toward the judge, when J. S. E. thought it would 
be well to send a messenger to the judge, that it was not 
out of disrespect to the court, with further explanation 
on the subject, but on beginning to explain the officer 
referred him to the judge, whom J. S. E. addressed, 
stating that it was not out of disrespect to the court, but 
that on entering a place of worship he did not think it 
necessary to take off his hat, he did not see why he 
should there; to which the judge replied that "religious 
societies were not to come there to set up their conscien- 
tious scruples and that if he did not take off his hat, it 
would be taken off." J. S. E. said he was aware of no 
law that required him to take off his hat, and if there 
was he could not do it. The judge then said he knew 
enough of the rules of propriety and that men were to 
make a respectable appearance in court. J. S. E., feeling 
that he was only required to take off his hat in time of 
public prayer or while speaking as a minister, took his 



118 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1872 

seat without complying with the request of the judge, and 
shortly after an officer came and removed his hat and 
put it on the reporters' desk, to which J. S. E. made no 
resistance, but kept his seat for perhaps an hour and a 
half, when the same officer came to him, saying that the 
judge excused him from serving as a juror, whereupon 
he retired from the court. 

Ninth month 21. At a metting of the Yearly Meeting's 
Committee we were covered with a solemnity under 
which we sat a considerable time, when various remarks 
were made regarding the weightiness of the concern. 
None of the sub-committee could say they had finished 
the service assigned them and were continued. Charles 
Evans made some remarks to the import that we were 
just beginning to get the harness on and would find it a 
weighty service ere we had accomplished the object of 
our appointment and he encouraged Friends to move 
freely around among the meetings and obtain knowledge 
of their conditions, particularly to attend the Quarterly 
Meetings. 

Tenth month 7. Attended the Quarterly Meeting's 
Committee in reference to the situation at Arch Street 
Meeting. After considerable expression of sentiment, it 
was concluded to appoint a sub-committee to take legal 
opinion as to whether any of the trust funds belonging 
to the Monthly Meeting would become void if any two 
of the meetings were joined together, it being a prevail- 
ing feeling that it would most conduce to the best in- 



Age 42 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 119 

terest of Society for the Southern District Monthly Meet- 
ing to be joined to Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, since 
a large number of its members now resided within the 
limits of that meeting. 

Eleventh month 13, 1872. 

Dear Friend, Clarkson Sheppard: Returning home 
this evening, I find thy acceptable letter proposing week 
after next for the South Delaware trip, which would suit 
me as well as any time, but my M. does not like the idea 
of my being away from the last Monthly Meeting of 
Friends of Philadelphia for the Southern District, to be 
held on the 27th inst., and as it is likely a good many 
tears will be shed on that occasion, I did not know but 
that I would want to be there too, and maybe help a little 
at that. But inasmuch as yesterday I expressed my satis- 
faction with the proposed change without thinking of our 
Monthly Meeting, I rather think I will not break ranks if 
that is your time ; perhaps I might say something I would 
be sorry for if I stayed at home. 

There seems to be an improvement in the condition of 
the horses generally. A stable not far from here reports 
seven horses dead, valued at $2,700. We are truly in 
a miserable condition about getting our hauling done. 
We have imported a yoke of oxen and a countryman 
from Delaware County, which, with Ephraim's* super- 



*Ephraim Smith acted most wisely and successfully, for a 
period of forty years, as superintendent of the soap and chemical 
works of Joseph S. and Thomas Elkinton, located in the southern 



120 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1872 

intendence, are expected to do something, although one 
of our little boys says, "They look as if they were out of 
their element." Our street-car traffic is generally sus- 
pended, and some goods are pulled about the street by 
hand. 

Eleventh month 2J. Our Monthly Meeting was held 
at Orange street for the last time, and it seemed very 
like a funeral. Samuel Bettle was there and first broke 
silence, speaking of the constraining influence of the love 
of Christ. Elizabeth Allen brought up the conversation 
of our Saviour with the two disciples as they walked to 
Emmaus after the resurrection. In the second meeting 
we transacted the regular business, read the minute of 
the Quarterly Meeting, discontinuing our Monthly Meet- 
ing and directed our committees to keep a care over their 
respective objects until Philadelphia Monthly Meeting 
appointed others for that purpose. 

Charles Evans spoke about the change in our position, 
how in days past our galleries were filled, and that of 
the power being the same. On the whole, our hearts 
were very sad. The concluding minute was read and we 
parted to hold no more Fourth-day meetings. The con- 
clusion of the Quarterly Meeting was that the Monthly 
Meeting for Friends of the Southern District is to be 
joined to the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadel- 

section of the city. During this time there was no suggestion of 
a strike or any so-called "labor" trouble between the concern and 
its employees. 



Age 42 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 121 

phia. The Arch Street Meeting House is to be closed 
on First-days after the first First-day in Twelfth month, 
and that the joint meetings assemble on First-days in 
mornings and afternoons at Orange Street Meeting 
House and on Fifth-days at Arch Street. 

Twelfth month. Understood from those who attended 
Arch Street Meeting that in the second meeting after 
the regular business was transacted the minute of the 
Quarterly Meeting in reference to the union of the two 
meetings was read. Remarks were made of the satis- 
faction felt in seeing some of the members of the South- 
ern District there, and they desired that the members of 
that meeting would take their usual seats, and they con- 
cluded to adjourn the Monthly Meeting till the close of 
the meeting for worship the next Fifth-day, so as to have 
the co-operation of the late Southern District Meeting 
more generally and have committees appointed to bring 
forward the names for officers and those to serve on 
committees for the Monthly Meeting. 

Twelfth month 5. Attended the mid-week meeting at 
Arch street, the first held since the union of the two 
meetings. In the second meeting, nominating commit- 
tees were appointed to bring forward names for Elder, 
for Overseers, for Select School Committee, for Prop- 
erty Trustees, etc. The committee to have charge of 
"Black People and Their Descendants," lately under 
appointment by the Southern District, was continued, and 
the Committee for the Poor and on Interments, and some 



122 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1873 

other services, were added to like committees now under 
appointment. 

Third month 12, 18/3. Last week our Indian Com- 
mittee was suddenly called together on account of being 
informed of the scheme for depriving the Seneca Indians 
of 15,000 acres of land, and by secret work with Con- 
gressmen a bill was actually passed by the Houses of 
Congress, but Joseph Scattergood was hurried, by a tele- 
gram from the President, down to Washington with our 
plea for the President to withhold his signature. He 
(J. S.) met the Cabinet in the President's room in the 
Capitol, just one hour before the inauguration, and 
Joseph Scattergood pleaded the cause of the Indian so 
ably that the President withheld his signature, to the 
chagrin of some of the Congressmen. 

Fifth month 29. A good meeting. I returned my 
minute in the second meeting and the service, into which 
I had entered in visiting families and members of 
Stroudsburg, and the appointed meeting with the colored 
people afford me comfort in the retrospect. John S. 
Comfort was a true helpmeet in this engagement. It 
was decided in Monthly Meeting to build a Meeting 
House in West Philadelphia. 

Sixth month 17. To-day I attended the funeral of 
David Farrell, who lived at Ninth and Mifflin streets, 
and the ground on which our works are located on the 
opposite side of the street was a part of his farm. The 
sale of his ground had placed him in easy circumstances, 



Age 43 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 123 

but he continued to live in the neighborhood and mani- 
fested much interest in brother Thomas and myself, not 
unf requently coming over into the office and sitting down 
for a little pleasant conversation. At one time he pro- 
posed renting me his house, stable and a yard, in which 
were about one hundred trees, for $300 a year if I would 
go and reside there, but I concluded it was best not to 
take my family down there. 

Sixth month 23. Removed to 331 South Fifth street. 
We had during the past week been moving some of our 
goods, but could not finish because of my Malinda's in- 
ability to be moved, she having been sick the past week. 
Whilst at the factory about 11 A. M. I felt an impression 
to go home to 783 South Second street, and when I ar- 
rived there, M. told me she thought she could go, so I 
quickly obtained a conveyance and had her taken to 331 
South Fifth street, which was soon followed by having 
the remainder of our goods brought there later. 

After reaching our new residence, Malinda seemed 
better for a few days, but soon broke down again in 
health and suffered greatly; but by the Seventh month 
recuperated sufficiently to go to Isaac Jones', at Consho- 
hocken, to board during the Seventh and Eighth months. 

Eighth month 14. Attended Salem Quarterly Meeting, 
held at Woodbury. Dined at William Tatum's and had 
a religious opportunity with his family, a young man 
being present who had left the Roman Catholics. I had 
been particularly impressed to go to this place to dine, 



124 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1873 

and learning at the dinner table that it was the prospect 
for Hannah Tatum's brother, Davis Leeds and another 
young man, to start off for the shore that afternoon, I 
felt disappointed and said to Davis, "I came to see thee, 
I wish thou would stay at home," and then rather re- 
called it by adding, ''but I do not know that I ought to 
interfere with or stop your plans." As they started after 
dinner, I stepped up to the carriage and simply said, 
"Don't get drowned." But on arriving at the shore they 
went into the water and Davis Leeds was drowned. 

From a letter dated Twelfth month, 1873 : When out 
with the Yearly Meeting's Committee our friend seems 
to want to do what he can to help the good cause; he 
assists those who are engaged in the service, distributes 
the writings of Friends with an interest, and I hope his 
almsdeeds and prayers may be held in remembrance. I 
was glad to find R.'s mind drawn to this house, and we 
all spent the evening pleasantly together. R. being much 
of a lady in her manners, she moved easily among the 
children, and yet she was very plain in speaking of the 
full surrender and the way of the cross. I was glad she 
could do it, for I hardly knew how to say much about 
the seamless garment, and then go upstairs to bed and 
sleep under silk covers stuffed with down. 

There is a range of experience in traveling, but there 
was a great contrast between this house, heated all over 
by furnaces and furnished luxuriously, and a place where 
Clarkson Sheppard and I lodged a year ago, where one 



Age 43 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 125 

cold night we were put in a cold room that looked and 
felt as if it had not been slept in for a year. I was afraid 
to ask for more covers for fear there were none, and so 
gathered up all the old dresses hanging about and put 
out coats on top, making the best of things, but not much 
sleep came, and I shook until within an hour of getting 
up time, with a rat or two for company, which kept much 
of the time on my side of the bed. C. S. had his amuse- 
ment at my management of the case. Now I will go back 
to the Meeting at Downingtown, which, if we did not see 
work, it is because we are such little children we do not 
know anything of what work is ; between undertaking to 
handle the subjects of Water Baptism, the Sacraments, 
high living, settling down in our blessings, etc., there was 
one tired person, if not more. 

Twelfth month 28. The following is a copy of the 
minute granted me at a time my mind was exercised on 
behalf of the children to such a degree that I believed it 
right to open a concern on the subject before our Monthly 
Meeting, and having held a meeting at Germantown, 
largely attended by the children; also one at Frankford, 
I felt relieved in the performance of the service. Al- 
though not an extensive concern, yet it has been one that 
has brought me under much feeling, as I would much 
prefer, if I could choose my own time, leaving such meet- 
ings until I could see my own children pass the slippery 
paths of youth. But that I may not live to see, or even 
so, I might not have the same freshness of feeling with 



126 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1873 

and for the children or sympathy with them in the pecu- 
liar temptations incident to their time of life. 

At a Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia held 
Twelfth month 28, 1873 : 

Our beloved friend Joseph S. Elkinton informed this Meeting 
of a prospect he had of apprehended duty to appoint one or more 
meetings for the children of Friends and their immediate care- 
takers, residing within the limits of Frankford Monthly Meeting. 
Upon considering the subject, this meeting liberates him to attend 
thereto, as Truth may open the way, he being a minister in unity 
with us. A copy of this minute is directed to be furnished to 
him, signed on our behalf. 

Extracted from the minutes. 

George J. Scattergood, Clerk. 
Horatio C. Wood, 

Correspondent. 

Third month $, 18J4. Made an arrangement with 
Amelia Leeds for the occupancy of her house at West- 
field during the summer. 

Fourth month 17. The Yearly Meeting's Committee 
met this afternoon and adopted a report to the Yearly 
Meeting, which was ably drawn up, and a good savor 
attended the reading of it. It contains a suggestion for 
a release, and a comfortable feeling prevailed as we 
parted, after being bound together in a service which 
had been attended with a good deal of labor, the tendency 
of which had been to bind us together. 

Twelfth month. I have for years past felt drawings 
in my mind towards Friends in the northern part of our 
Quarterly Meeting, and for some months past believed 



Age 44 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 127 

it would be right for me to hold myself open to visit the 
members of Muncy Monthly Meeting, should way be 
made therefor. Under this burden I have been bound in 
spirit, but believing that my peace was concerned in the 
matter, I laid it before our Monthly Meeting Twelfth 
month 24th, which, after solid deliberation and a free 
expression of unity, granted me a minute. The expres- 
sion of unity was a strength to me. 



CHAPTER V. 
European Trip. 

Fourth month 12, 1873. Our Select Preparative Meet- 
ing was held this morning. 

After the business was concluded, I informed the 
meeting that my wife had been, for two or three years, 
advised by her physician to take a sea voyage, which 
neither she nor I had been willing to undertake until this 
spring. As our physician, Dr. Wallace, had taken pas- 
sage on a steamer for England, to sail on the 26th of 
next month, I inclined to do the same, believing it was 
my place to do what I could for the restoration of my 
wife's health, and I had the refusal of a room in the same 
steamer for a few days, but was unwilling to close the 
agreement until I had given the members of that meeting 
a clear understanding of my purpose. I wished to know 
that they were satisfied therewith, and held myself open 
to their counsel, if they had anything to express on the 
subject. 

Charles Evans said he had known the physical con- 
dition of my wife, and could readily understand my 
strong desire for the restoration of her health, and as 
he knew of no other suitable means that had not been 
tried for her recovery, he approved of the proposed plan 
being undertaken. Others also approved. 

Engaged our passage on the steamer Russia, to sail 

128 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 129 

on the 26th, which was afterward changed to the Scythia, 
to sail one week earlier. 

Fourth month 13. Went with father and mother Pat- 
terson to North Meeting. Mother Patterson commenced 
with "Every one shall be salted with fire, and every 
sacrifice shall be salted with salt." Enlarging on it, she 
spoke of the importance of our remembering that our 
Saviour said: "Without me ye can do nothing." She 
spoke with earnestness and it seemed to have weight. 

Fifth month 13. At our Meeting I was opened in 
testimony to my relief. Brought to view the encourage- 
ment there was in the remembrance that when Queen 
Esther approached the presence of the King as with her 
life in her hand to make intercession for herself and her 
people, the king reached forth his sceptre to her and 
heard her request, and I had craved for myself and 
desired for others that we might be preserved in and 
enabled to arrive at that condition of mind wherein we 
might approach Him at whose pleasure we stand or fall, 
to pray for ourselves and one for another. Whilst on 
the one hand, some may be too much elated or settle into 
an idle complacency, there is danger on the other hand 
of sinking too much under the weight of those things 
which tend to press down the spirit and keep it from 
endeavoring to rise in that power whereby we could say 
to the mountain of difficulty, "Be thou removed and be 
thou cast into the sea." And there is also a danger in 
the Church of not only depending too much upon one 



130 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

another for the performance of that religious exercise 
which belongs to ourselves, but also of too highly esteem- 
ing one another, whether it be by despising prophesyings 
or that secret exercise of soul in which those who were 
as the salt of the earth were engaged. But there was 
wanted amongst us a more harmonious and united crying 
unto the Lord, who would doubtless be pleased to hearken 
and to water and enlarge his heritage. 

Fifth month ip. The Scythia is a new vessel, belong- 
ing to the Cunard Line, and had made but the one 
voyage from England, and we expected to be on her 
first return trip. She was four hundred and fifty-five 
feet long and forty-two or forty-three feet wide. 

The vessel began to move somewhat after the appointed 
hour, 3 P. M. I watched those on shore who had so 
kindly countenanced us, so long as they could be dis- 
tinguished and with solemn feelings, considering the 
uncertainty of life and yet with trustful hope in the 
mercy of a kind providence that all things shall be made 
to work together for good. 

Fifth month 26. Saw several sails to-day. We have 
traveled nearly one thousand miles without seeing ter- 
ritory, to give us a sense of our isolated condition upon 
the mighty waters and dependence upon the mercy of 
Him who ruleth the winds and the waves. Surely those 
who go upon the seas should know for what they leave 
their homes. 

We have spent much of the time during the day on 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 131 

deck, but rather uncomfortable nights, my Malinda suf- 
fering much with her back, due to the cramped position 
in her berth. We have enjoyed reading the letters from 
our children and friends given us to be read at sea. 

Fifth month 28. Morning somewhat hazy. Land was 
announced at 8.30 A. M. by the sailors, and we could 
soon see the hills of Ireland. It is cause of reverent 
thankfulness and gratitude that we have been thus far 
preserved on our way, no serious mishap occurring to any 
on board. There were one hundred and sixty cabin 
passengers. M., though not at all well, got on deck for 
a time, and Susan Wallace had been much amiss, but 
came on deck to-day. We felt their leaving us, opposite 
Queenstown, which they did about 3.30, as they inclined 
to travel through Ireland before going to England, but 
we thought best to proceed to Liverpool. 

Fifth month 29. The sea last night was rougher than 
it had been, and colder ; had not a very good night as to 
sleep, but the prospect of making port before another 
helped to bear that and other inconveniences. 

Malinda was hardly well enough to enjoy the scenery 
on the north coast of Wales, but to me it was interesting. 
We arrived at or opposite Liverpool about 5 P. M. and, 
after about two hours, being occupied by the annoying 
process of the Custom House officers, we were trans- 
ferred to a small ferryboat to be landed. I was afraid 
my dear M.'s strength would give out, but it did hold out, 
through favor, for the needs of the day. We took a 



132 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

carriage to Washington Hotel on Lime street, that having 
been recommended by Dr. Wallace, who had stopped 
there a few years before. 

The docks of Liverpool should have a passing note, as 
the tide rises and falls to an unusual degree. Enclosed 
docks have been made here at an enormous expense, with 
gates to let vessels in and out at high tide and enclose 
those which are in so that they can be loaded and un- 
loaded without delay. The side of the dock next to the 
sea or river being necessarily very thick, much business 
can be done thereon. 

I walked out after tea and saw the fish market, which 
presented a lively scene, the stands being attended by 
women, perhaps two hundred of them, who were very 
vociferous in calling out their prices and proclaiming 
their quality and kind. The building, probably two hun- 
dred feet square, was well crowded. Many kinds of fish 
were new to me, and I made my first acquaintance with 
the shrimp, which, when properly prepared, was very 
palatable. 

Fifth month jo. First-day I attended Hunter Street 
Meeting, where I was met at the door by George Cook, 
who introduced me to Francis Thompson, a minister ; also 
to Henry Crossfield, the latter having visited my father's 
home when in America with John Hodgkin. I was 
treated with courtesy and invited to a seat beside Francis 
Thompson, which I declined, not being on a religious 
visit, and took my seat at the lower end of the ministers' 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 133 

gallery. There were about one hundred and twenty 
present. 

The afternoon meeting convened at 6 o'clock, and held 
about an hour. About twenty were in attendance. Henry 
Crossfield walked with me from the Meeting House, 
which he said had become inconveniently situated, al- 
though when built it was thought too far out of town ; but 
the city had increased much in size and he had five miles 
to travel out to his home. He kindly offered to assist 
me in promoting the object of my visit. 

Fifth month 31. I had a pleasant interview with H. 
Crossfield in his office, No. 8 Temple Court, and he gave 
me a letter of introduction to his nephew, Alfred Cross- 
field, of the St. Helen's Works, also to the manager of 
the works of A. C. Hunt. 

Sixth month 1. Hired a carriage and took Malinda a 
ride through the Princess Park, and then through a con- 
siderable portion of the Sefton Park, which is very 
beautiful. 

Sixth month 4. Left Liverpool for Southport, where 
we took quarters at the Queen's Hotel, having a sitting 
room, and our meals served there to ourselves. This 
room has a very commanding view of the sea, in front, 
which, at the highest tide, comes within eighty feet of 
the house, the banks being protected by mason work, with 
an excellent promenade and carriage road for some dis- 
tance. At low tide there is much riding upon donkeys by 
the children, and not a few grown persons. 



134 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

Sixth month 7. Called on Richard Nicholson, and 
found him very kind and courteous. He entered with 
good heart into our plans and encouraged us to go to 
Lake Windemere and through Scotland. He had kindly 
invited me to dine with him the previous day, which I 
was unable to accept. Dr. Richard White called on us. 
He is a Scotchman, and favored our visiting the moun- 
tain districts. 

Sixth month 8. Visited the Aquarium at the Winter 
Gardens, where is the most wonderful collection of living 
fish and sea plants that I had ever witnessed. Took a 
ride with Malinda through Birkdale, the road being of 
asphaltum and small stones. She enjoyed it, not only 
on account of the scenery, but also for the ease in riding 
over it. 

Sixth month p. Foggy morning, so the appearance 
from our sitting room is much changed; the promenade 
is deserted, no donkey riding, but sundry fishermen cross- 
ing the flats with their nets and baskets of fish. Josiah 
Thompson and wife, also John Bacon, called on us after 
meeting. 

Sixth month 11. Left Southport for Silverdale, and 
were met on arrival by Daniel Pickard, who took us in 
his carriage to his home and were made welcome by 
himself and family. He has a pleasantly situated man- 
sion with two or three acres of ground handsomely laid 
out and overlooking Morecambe Bay. His wife is affable 
and sincere in her manners, and they have four precious 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 135 

children — three daughters and one son. (Note — They 
had another son, born after our visit, named for me.) 

Sixth month 13. Attended Yealand Meeting, said to 
be one of the oldest of our Society in the Kingdom. 
About sixty persons present. 

Sixth month 14. Rainy and cold. I engaged lodgings 
with a person by the name of Mary Newton, in the 
village of Silverdale, where we will probably remove on 
Fourth-day. 

Sixth month 16. This morning we had a solid and 
comfortable opportunity at Daniel Pickard's before part- 
ing, in which D. P. expressed his desire for the Divine 
blessing to accompany us, and that so much of the object 
of our visit might be obtained as was consistent with 
the loving kindness of our heavenly Father. We were 
brought to our lodgings about noon and were well pleased 
with the situation. Mary Xewton very agreeable and 
disposed to get us anything we would wish that is prac- 
ticable. 

Sixth month 16. Went with Daniel and Lucy Pickard 
to Lancaster Quarterly Meeting. This Meeting property 
is one of the oldest in England, and the house seemed to 
have been constructed and laid out in a liberal spirit with 
its conveniences and committee rooms. Having time be- 
fore meeting, I walked up to the Castle and part way 
round the building, the tower of which was built eight 
hundred or one thousand years ago by John of Gaunt. 
In this tower we are told that George Fox was incarce- 



136 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

rated for eighteen months with miserable accommoda- 
tions. 

Sixth month 18. William Graham and wife called this 
morning. They live at Birmingham. In the afternoon I 
had a carriage and, with Malinda, rode an hour or two, 
then round by Daniel Pickard's, where we took tea, in 
company with William Graham and wife. 

Sixth month ip. The weather to-day seemed like 
summer — the first we have been able to do without 
fire in this neighborhood. Hired a pony and basket 
phaeton and drove past Lindeth Tower. Passing by this 
place, the road went by a ledge of rocks, where the sea 
beat at high tide. We stopped a while to enjoy the 
scenery. Going on, the road descended almost to the 
water's edge on a low level spot. Here we found the 
Pickard children enjoying themselves on the beach. 

Sixth month 26. We were called on this morning by 
Samuel Moorehouse and wife, from Leeds. In the 
afternoon the two youngest Pickard children came and 
remained to tea with us, their father coming for them 
in the evening. The evening was light enough to read 
the Bible out in the open air at ten o'clock. 

Sixth month 29. Thomas Newton and I went to Lan- 
caster and made an attempt to look into the castle, but 
the gate-keeper was not disposed to let us in at the 
front. The entrance into the court being open, and those 
in charge of the door being quite free, we went in far 
enough to see where the courts were held and got a 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 137 

general idea of the plan of the building, which is de- 
scribed in a little book, afterward purchased, entitled, 
"Guide to Lancaster." From the castle we walked to 
the Lunatic Asylum for the Poor, containing over one 
thousand patients, apparently well provided for and with 
extensive grounds around the building. One desirable 
adjunct to this establishment is the workshops for those 
who are inclined to work, shoemaking, joinering, rug 
making and several other mechanical pursuits being car- 
ried on. "\Ye returned to Silverdale about 6.30 P. M. 

Seventh month I. My Malinda having a strong desire 
to see Swarthmore Meeting House and Hall, we left this 
morning and traveled as far as Furness Abby and re- 
viewed the ruins there, probably in its time the seat of 
much despotic power, but as a specimen of ancient 
architecture certainly grand. From there we went to 
Swarthmore, where I left my Malinda and Eliza Pickard, 
who had accompanied us, while I went to find our friend, 
J. M. Chapman, that he might pilot us. I found him at 
his home on Sun street, very willing to spend a little 
time with us ; we accordingly took the carriage, calling 
for Malinda and Eliza Pickard at the railroad depot, and 
proceeded to the Meeting House, which appeared to be 
a great satisfaction to my M. She held the Bible given 
by George Fox, and printed in 1541, on her lap and 
began two or three letters to her loved ones at home. 
(1688 was over the door of the house.) From thence 
we went to Swarthmore Hall, where our aged friend, 



138 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

John Chapman, very kindly showed us around and re- 
lated many things of historical interest. J. M. Chapman 
said for a number of years he was the only man member 
of Swarthmore Meeting, but that recently it had in- 
crease, and on First-days there were generally forty 
persons present. 

In Swarthmore Hall we were shown the position in a 
bay window where George Fox and his wife were seated 
in times of meetings, also the room where Judge Fell 
transacted his official business. The rooms in the second 
story were wainscoted and communicating. There was 
a little recess between them, in the back part of which 
was a small fireproof. In the wall out of the recess was 
a doorway opening out on a balcony, taken down in 
J. M. C.'s memory because of decay. From this balcony 
we were told G. F. used to preach to the people in the 
orchard below. The out-buildings were large. It was 
said Judge Fell kept one hundred horses. There had 
evidently been a large out-kitchen at one time, the fire- 
place of which appeared to be about five feet deep and 
twelve feet wide, but now used for a stable ! The sum- 
ming of it all comes to this — that all these things perish 
with the using; they all vanish, but the Lord alone re- 
maineth, and our hearts are not to be set upon created 
things, but upon the Lord, who showeth mercy. Returned 
in the train leaving Ulverston at 6 P. M. Malinda stood 
the trip very well. We had a remarkably fine day for 
the excursion. 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 139 

Seventh month j. In the evening took a new walk 
with Daniel Pickard, on the crags and along the edge of 
a field of oats, and one of barley on the other side of the 
stone wall. The harvest is, as near as I can learn, one 
month later than in America. Strawberries are now 
about at their best and of a very large size; had some 
handed this evening weighing a quarter of an ounce each. 

Seventh month 5. Went up to Liverpool on business 
and had a sight of the Sultan of Zanzibar. He was 
dressed in Turkish costume and is said to be a Moham- 
medan; is now on a visit to England, and they say he is 
well pleased with his reception and intends to use his 
influence on his return for the suppression of slavery in 
his dominion. The British minister to Zanzibar inter- 
preted for him. Returned to Silverdale on the sixth. 

Seventh month 7. Left Silverdale at 10 A. M., Eliza 
Pickard accompanying us, and took train for Lake 
Shore, arriving at 11.45, having changed cars at Ulver- 
ston. Lake Shore is the south end of Lake Windemere, 
whereon we embarked on a small steamer. The weather 
was the warmest of the season, but with the boat in 
motion there was a comfortable breeze. The scenery was 
truly beautiful, to which I cannot do justice, but must 
refer to the description given in books of better writers. 
Arrived at Bowness 12.20, which appeared to be a place 
of some note. We hired a conveyance and proceeded to 
Ambleside and up a steep mountainous road to Gale 
Mountain House, which we found full. Were recom- 



140 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

mended to go next door, where Sara Wilson furnished 
us with two lodging rooms and a sitting room. The 
views from our lodgings are magnificent — mountains all 
around us. In the afternoon Eliza Pickard and I walked 
to the town of Ambleside, which is an elevated basin, but 
probably one hundred feet lower than our lodgings. 

Seventh month 8. Took a long ride in a phseton for 
nearly three hours; passed through the town of Amble- 
side, by the residence of the poet Wordsworth — Nab 
Scar — from the top of which eight lakes can be seen and 
a great many mountains. Saw Rydal Mount, also the 
rock where Wordsworth was wont to sit and write, 
which is a curiosity. We passed the Prince of Wales 
Hotel, near Grassmere; through the village of Grass- 
mere, which is the burial place of Wordsworth and 
family; around the head of Grassmere Lake, on around 
the road and up an exceedingly steep place, where we all 
had to get out and walk. We were shown the house 
where Walter Scott wrote Helvellyn. On the route back 
the scenery was also very fine. In the evening our atten- 
tion was arrested, first by the noise, then by the sight 
of a great flock of rooks, whose peculiar squawking was 
rather disturbing to our sleep during the night. 

Seventh month p. In the evening Eliza Pickard and I 
ascended Laughing Fell, opposite; and from the top we 
had such a view as I never saw before — it was grand, 
beautiful ! The path up was pretty good, but steep over 
the clifts and rocks ; but we experienced much more diffi- 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 141 

culty coming down, having endeavored to find a new 
path that would avoid the climbing of two fences of 
stone, but we got into a boggy marsh and finally were 
glad enough to come across our old path. 

Seventh month 10. We rode to Windemere and, after 
resting at the hotel there and taking lunch, we took the 
train for Kendal. There we took a carriage and had a 
drive through the city and around the outskirts thereof 
and on the hill overlooking it. The air was salubrious. 
We took the 3.30 train from there for Carnforth, where 
we made connections for Silverdale, where we were met 
by Daniel Pickard. 

Seventh month 12. Received letters from our children 
and some of our friends, welcome and interesting news 
from home. 

I left Silverdale this morning for New Castle for busi- 
ness purposes. After several detentions, arrived at New 
Castle at 9.30 P. M. The depot here is a magnificent one ; 
a hotel is attached to it, and I took lodgings there. The 
approach to New Castle appeared like a vast manufactur- 
ing district. 

Seventh month ij. I walked through the cattle market; 
the shepherd dogs were of great interest, especially their 
skill in managing the droves through the streets. I visited 
the old castle, and was kindly shown about by the keeper 
of the library, in the lower room of which were many 
antiquities ; the main room, perhaps forty feet high, also 
contained a number. 



142 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

Left New Castle for Darlington, expecting to lodge 
there. 

Seventh month 14. Returned to Silverdale, finding my 
M. well, except a sty on her eye. 

Seventh month 18. Went to Yealand Meeting with 
Daniel Pickard and wife and daughter Eliza. Eliza 
Pickard dined with us, and the small children came over 
in the afternoon, and their father and mother in the eve- 
ning, to bid us farewell, as we purpose leaving this place 
in the morning, and feel that we have cause for gratitude 
in that we have been so well provided for and kindly 
treated. 

Seventh month 19. Bid farewell to Silverdale, our kind 
landlady, her husband and sister Jane Pemberton. It was 
touching ; some tears shed by all, and with mutual desires 
for each other's welfare, we parted and proceeded to the 
railroad station, where Daniel Pickard came to see us off. 
Took train for Liverpool and stopped at the Washington 
Hotel. 

We heard that on the 11th inst. The Scythia (the vessel 
on which we came over), being one day out, one of the 
officers on the lookout, feeling sensible that the ship had 
struck something, went to the stern, when he, with some 
others, saw a whale rise up about five feet out of the 
water and was quite bloody. It was deemed prudent for 
the ship to return to Queenstown and be examined by 
sending down some divers, who reported three blades 
of the screw broken and some of the stern sheets started. 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 143 

whereupon the ship was ordered back to Liverpool for 
repairs. The dead whale was afterwards seen by a yacht 
and, with the assistance of a tugboat, was towed into 
Liverpool. 

Extract from a letter to J. S. E. from Joseph Walton : 
Moorestown, Seventh month 13, 1875. 

D. Pickard speaks kindly and favorably of thy move- 
ments in a religious way. In thy present position, no 
doubt prudence is requisite, and yet there is a degree of 
liberty in the Spirit of the Lord, and when thou art sen- 
sible of its holy presence and help, I would encourage 
thee to a faithful discharge of such duties as may be 
laid upon thee. The true Christian must ever maintain 
the watch and be instant out of season as well as in 
season. How often does it occur that to the attentive 
mind little openings lead to opportunities of true religious 
refreshment; and we are made to rejoice in spirit at the 
descendings of the heavenly rain upon what had seemed 
a dry and thristy land. I hope and believe that if thou 
keeps thy place, thy sojourn in England will tend to 
strengthen and comfort some who are often tried in 
spirit, and may prove useful in other ways. If this 
should prove to be the case, and if dear Malinda should 
return with renewed strength and health, you will be 
repaid for the fatigue, anxiety and expense attending 
your journey. — J. W. 

Seventh month 20. Left Liverpool for Birmingham, 
where we were kindly entertained by our friends, William 



144 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

and Elizabeth Graham. From Northampton to Liverpool 
it appeared to be a great manufacturing district ; is called 
the Black Country. On our way here from Liverpool we 
spent a few hours in Manchester visiting the Meeting 
House, which is a good structure and well planned. A 
library and tract repository is over the hall entering the 
Meeting House. 

Seventh month 21. Went to Birmingham Meeting, 
where perhaps sixty were assembled, and we had a good 
meeting. 

Seventh month 26. Left the hospitable roof of our 
kind friends, the Grahams, and took train for Great 
Malvern. The country as we passed through looked 
beautiful. We arrived near 3 P. M. and took carriage 
to the South Villa, recommended by Elizabeth Graham; 
but the rooms there being all engaged, we came to the 
Mt. Pleasant, on Bellview Terrace. From the drawing- 
room windows had a magnificent prospect over the coun- 
try, as also from the garden, which is terraced with walks 
on the side of the hill, and on the higher side of the 
garden is a summer house, very favorably located. 

Seventh month 28. In the afternoon took Malinda a 
drive along the west road to the pass through the hills 
at British Camp grove, and on until we came near the 
hill called the Beacon, and then through a deep cut called 
"The Witch Pass," and so on back to Malvern ; going, we 
stopped at the spring called The Holy Well, where, in 
times past, the monks resorted. The water is unusually 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 145 

clear and pure, and nearby is an establishment for bot- 
tling mineral waters, to be shipped to London. Every- 
where the view over the country was magnificent ; and at 
places we could see over into Wales. 

Seventh month 29. Went to Malvern Meeting, Ma- 
linda accompanying me. The meeting was small and 
some little ability granted to minister before the people. 

Before breakfast I walked some distance up the moun- 
tain behind us to a stand, where were some ponies and 
donkeys to hire. I engaged a boy and a pony and went up 
to the St. Ann's well, over which is quite a refreshment 
house, and passed on up a very winding path to the 
summit of the mountain. Here I liberated the boy and 
pony and walked down. 

Seventh month 30. In the afternoon we rode to the 
residence of Lord Somers, at Eastner Castle, a distance 
of about seven miles, three of which were through his 
own grounds along an old road supposed to be a Roman 
road, but in beautiful order, with trees and shrubs at 
the sides thereof. There were herds of beautiful deer 
over the place, also some fine-looking cattle. The castle 
was a good specimen of baronial architecture, in good 
condition, but looked as if it belonged to ancient times. 
There was a lake in which were geese and swans. The 
garden and hothouse arrangements were superb, and the 
lawn the most extensive of any I ever saw. 

Eighth month 2. Our dear friend, Ellen, daughter of 
William and Elizabeth Graham, came in, and we were 



146 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

truly glad to see her. She kindly came to stay over night 
with us and brought us some interesting reading. 

Eighth month 5. Received a kind letter from Ellen 
Graham, stating that her mother offers to come and stay 
with Malinda whilst I go to London. Mercury 62°, so 
we ordered fire. 

Eighth month 6. Left Malvern on the 9.18 train; rode 
to Worcester, thence to London, passing over a very 
cultivated section of country; in most places seeming 
like one vast garden, much of it farmed without fences 
between the different patches of vegetables or crops of 
grain. Wheat was about ripe and some cut and shocked. 
The bean crop was also shocked. This was a new sight 
to me. It appeared to have grown to the same height as 
wheat and had been tied into bundles. 

Between Oxford and Reading I observed the earth in 
the cuttings of the hill of a very white color, and was 
told it was marl. Arrived at Paddington at a very capa- 
cious railway station about 2.30 P. M. ; passed up some 
steps, thence through a long passageway, down again to 
an underground passage and station, and there took train 
for the centre or heart of London. 'Twas curious to 
be passing under a great city for a distance of three or 
more miles. An enormous expense appears to have been 
gone into, in this matter of tunneling and getting the 
necessary light, but it is a monument of great engineering. 

I took quarters in Joseph Armfield's hotel, he receiving 
me kindly. After dinner I walked out to the office of 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 147 

Edward Hicks, 16 Bishopsgate street. He is a nepKew 
of Richard Esterbrook, and he introduced me to Edward 
Marsh, who kindly showed me over the Meeting House 
property and the fireproof room wherein the records of 
the Society were kept. There were fifty large volumes 
in manuscript of accounts of the sufferings and dis- 
tresses Friends endured because of their consistency. 
The buildings were well constructed and adapted for the 
purposes intended, the Yearly Meeting being there ac- 
commodated. The meeting rooms for the men and 
women being distinct from the other two for the holding 
of ordinary meetings for worship, they were not in a line 
as ours, but more in a circle, with large accommodations 
for committee rooms, etc. A book store, kept by Edward 
Marsh, was also on the property. The Friends' Institute 
is also connected, where some are lodged and where a 
large library and reading-room is attached. 

Joseph Armfield walked with me some distance to view 
the Royal Exchange, the Lord Mayor's residence, the 
Bank of England, several banking houses where the 
Gurneys and Barclays held forth, where the Grace- 
church Street Meeting House once stood, which is now 
covered by large buildings. The place where William 
Allen transacted his business as a druggist is occupied by 
a court of office buildings. A great monument, two hun- 
dred feet high, with a winding staircase inside erected 
over the spot where the great fire originated in 1660, is 
extremely interesting in a historical sense. 



148 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

From there we went to the London Bridge over the 
Thames, where were two streams of vehicles each way; 
a stone structure on arches, the river as wide as our 
Schuylkill. 

Eighth month J. Arising early, took a cab and rode 
along the Strand, viewing the buildings along the way; 
passing under Temple Bar out to the Parliament Build- 
ings and Westminster Abbey, viewing them and Bucking- 
ham Palace; through St. James Park, back past the 
Museum buildings, Old Bailey, the Post Office, and re- 
turning to the Hotel by 8.30, when we had breakfast. 

Joseph Armfield took me over to Croydon, where we 
drove around making some calls ; saw the Crystal Palace 
in the distance. Returned to the Armfield Hotel and, 
after tea, took the train and passed under the river to 
Paddington, where I took the 6.30 train and arrived at 
Malvern about 11.30. Found Elizabeth Graham had 
kindly remained with my Malinda. 

Eighth month 8. To-day a letter came from Dr. Wal- 
lace, stating that they would be in Shrewsbury on the 
7th, and when they were settled for any time at any 
place would let us know, but we thought best to make 
ready and start for Shrewsbury, if perchance we could 
join them. 

While at Birmingham I called on the firm of Elkinton, 
there being five brothers in the business — that of silver- 
smiths. Their names are John, Charles, Henry, Alfred 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 149 

and Hyle. I was kindly received and shown through their 
works. They have five hundred employees. 

Eighth month p. We left Great Malvern at 11.37 by the 
Hereford route, and arrived at Shrewsbury about 3 P. M., 
to find that Dr. Wallace had left that morning for Bettws- 
y-Ceod; we were somewhat disconcerted, since it would 
have been a great satisfaction to have seen them; but as 
we are on our direction to Liverpool, we shall keep patient 
until we hear. W 7 e took quarters at the Raven Hotel. 

Eighth month io. Took a drive around the town and 
saw many very antiquated structures. The city itself is 
quite unique. 

Eighth month II. Received a letter from Dr. Wallace, 
informing us he had engaged rooms for us at the Gwydr 
House, Bettws-y-Ceod, and I telegraphed we would be 
there next morning. 

Left Shrewsbury 10.05, and proceeded to Chester — a 
beautiful ride. Arrived about noon at the Queen's Hotel 
and, after dinner, took a ride around the city, viewing the 
various buildings and ruins, and thought the architecture 
different from any we had seen before. This city is 
noted for having portions of the old Roman wall still 
remaining. 

Eighth month 12. Took the 9.30 train for Bettws-y- 
Ceod, arriving about noon, when we met Dr. Wallace 
and company. We were all glad to meet again. Found 
our rooms ready. The Gwydr Hotel is favorably situated. 

After dinner took a walk to the end of the town, where 



150 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

there is a fine mountain stream rushing wildly over the 
rocks. It was interesting to watch the fish vainly endeav- 
oring to jump over the falls. The village appears to have 
fifty or sixty houses, four of these hotels, all built of very 
pretty stone. It is what they call a charming place, and 
the scenery around very beautiful. 

Eighth month IJ. In the afternoon walked to what is 
called the Waterloo Bridge from the fact of its having 
been constructed the year the Battle of Waterloo was 
fought. It is a costly iron structure and very solid. 

Had a full conversation with doctor about Malinda; 
he considers her general health improved, although she 
needed medical treatment, but he believed after our re- 
turn home we would all be sensible of a change for the 
better. 

Eighth month 14. This afternoon, with Dr. Wallace 
and wife, I took an excursion to the Straits of Menai; 
passing the Conway Castle, Wlandale, the latter being a 
bathing place. Took a carriage at Bangor and went on 
to see the Suspension bridge; crossing this, we came to 
the Tubular bridge, built by Robert Stephenson — cer- 
tainly a monument of what can be accomplished by man ; 
only three towers, one of them in the stream itself. The 
whole length of the bridge is eighteen hundred feet and 
one hundred feet above the water. Came back to Bettws- 
y-Ceod at 8 P. M. 

Eighth month 17. Malinda, being taken more poorly, 
I have given up the prospect of going to Ireland. 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 151 

Eighth month 19. Went with Dr. Wallace and son to 
the Penrith slate quarries, passing by the smaller falls 
and several others through a most romantic country. 
We found the slate quarry to exceed in extent any con- 
ception we had entertained of it. Two thousand six hun- 
dred men are said to be at work in the side of the 
mountain. Fifty miles of tram railway are used about 
the mountain to carry the slate to be shipped. 

Eighth month 23. Left Bettws-y-Ceod on the 12 A. M. 
train for Liverpool, where we arrived about 5 P. M., 
Malinda standing the journey better than we feared. 
Went to the Washington Hotel, where we were given our 
old room, which suited us very well. 

Eighth month 24. Leaving Malinda with Dr. Wallace 
and wife, she being better, I took the steamer Voltaire 
for Belfast. 

Eighth month 25. Landed at Belfast; hired a jaunting 
car and proceeded toward the residence of Foster Green 
at Derrie Colgie. These jaunting cars are curious vehi- 
cles, designed for four passengers beside the driver. They 
seemed like a small platform over two wheels, the driver 
on a little seat perched in the centre of the front of the 
platform. The side seats overlap the wheels. To me it 
seemed like a very shaky way of riding. I would think 
a phaeton much more comfortable. About half way met 
Foster Green coming with his carriage, to which I was 
transferred, meeting with a hearty greeting, and was 



152 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

taken to his residence, which gave evidence of the owner 
being possessed of large means. 

During the morning visited Foster Green's store in 
Belfast, which is an extensive establishment. One hun- 
dred and twenty men are employed in the tea, coffee, spice 
and wholesale grocery business. 

After dinner took train to Hillsboro ; on our way passed 
by the linen establishment of the Richardson Brothers. 
We were met by William Green, who kissed me and did 
certainly exhibit much warmth of expression, speaking of 
the different members of our family, and his recollection 
of father was very lively. William Green lives adjoining 
the town of Hillsboro, inside the gate and wall of a park 
belonging to the Marquis of Devonshire. It is a humble- 
looking cottage, but scrupulously neat, with a large, well- 
kept garden. I do not know that I ever found more 
contentment in any house than appeared here. William 
having a little grandchild, the ninth child of his daughter 
Elizabeth Sarah Harris, he suggested its being named 
Malinda, for my wife. We had an interesting and in- 
structive evening and then, as well as next morning, had 
some religious service. 

Eighth month 26. William Green accompanied me to 
Belfast, where we attended the meeting, which was larger 
than usual. I dined at Foster Green's, after visiting a 
soap factory on the way there from meeting. In the 
afternoon parted with William Green at the railway sta- 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 153 

tion, he taking train for home, and Foster Green accom- 
panying me to the steamer Magnetic. 

Eighth month 2J. I again had a comfortable passage 
across the channel, arriving this morning at 7 A. M., and 
we went into the clearance basin, giving me an oppor- 
tunity of seeing the plan of these magnificent structures 
that are at these docks. Went to the Washington Hotel 
and found M. quite well for her. 

Eighth month 28. Took our leave of Washington 
Hotel about 2 P. M. and were driven to the landing, 
where we boarded the tugboat or tender. Josiah Thomp- 
son accompanied us on the tender to the steamship 
"Bothnia," where we embarked and moved off about 
6 P. M. 

Eighth month 29. Had a quiet night and in comfort- 
able condition this morning. Arrived off Queenstown 
about noon and waited for the London mail. Have been 
told we have two hundred and ninety- four cabin passen- 
gers and one hundred and twenty steerage. Among the 
cabin passengers is Gen. George B. McClellan. 

Ninth month 4. About noon we passed through quite 
a school of whales, some twelve or fifteen of them being 
plainly visible ; and one, passing quite near the vessel, 
dove down nearly alongside. Much spouting was seen. 
Although I was much interested in the sight of the 
whales, yet I did not think we were any safer for their 
company. 

Ninth month 6. Saw a steamer to the south, heading 



154 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1875 

east. There has not been a day since leaving Liverpool 
but that some vessel has been in sight. Took on a pilot 
about 1.20. 

Ninth month 8. Anchored off quarantine about 2.30 
A. M. Doctor came on board in the morning and we 
proceeded on our way, reaching New York about 8 A. M. 
Brother Thomas was there, waiting for us, and took 
Malinda with him on the tender and took the 9.25 train 
for Philadelphia, where they arrived about noon, leaving 
me to see to the baggage being passed through the custom 
house department and to follow on a train leaving Jersey 
City about noon. 

Extract from a letter dated Tenth month 14, 1875 : 
Our family gathered in, our son J. coming home last 
week from his visit to his grandfather and grandmother 
Patterson, and uncles and aunts in the west; and having 
experienced preservation from dangers seen and unseen. 
The call for gratitude that we have been thus permitted 
to mingle again with the family circle unbroken was per- 
haps never greater. "God is the Lord, that my soul 
knoweth right well," is a language that may, under the 
renewed sense of his benefits, be adopted. There was a 
time when we were at Silverdale, England, that his 
mother particularly was brought under great exercise of 
mind on J.'s account lest he was in great danger, and she 
much wanted to know what he was doing or how he was 
situated It appears at that time he had gone with his 
uncle on a business trip from home. The heat was ex- 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 155 

cessive, the mercury registering over 100°, and he was 
nearly overcome, and persuaded his uncle to defer re- 
turning until the cool of the evening should enable them 
to go back with less fatigue ; but in the evening there came 
on a tremendous storm, accompanied with severe light- 
ning, and their escape seemed almost marvelous, as the 
lightning played all around them. Is it not wonderful 
how members of one family and members of the great 
family and church are brought into sympathy, one with 
another, when separated, and sometimes led to a breath- 
ing of spirit for the preservation, one of another, who 
may be exposed to danger or peculiar trials and tempta- 
tions which are adapted to our various conditions of life ? 
But the nearer we keep to the Fountain of Life the more 
will our spiritual faculties be developed and we given a 
sense of things, or be given to partake of the great and 
precious promises whereby we are made partakers of 
the Divine nature. 



CHAPTER VI. 
Visit to Seneca Indians. 

Referring to the reading of the Scripture in meetings 
for worship, J. S. E. remarks: He should be pitied who 
could not feel enough interest to want to read the Scrip- 
tures, but it is a great imposition to enforce it upon others 
when they may or should be in secret exercise or com- 
munion. 

Third month, 18/6. Attended a verbal Committee of 
the Monthly Meeting and of the Property Committee in 
reference to increasing the accommodation of our Book 
Store (304 Arch street), but did not come to any definite 
conclusion. I had a plan drawn up for a new building, 
which would accommodate the library on the first floor 
and have some committee rooms. My design was to have 
the proposed new building west of the present building, 
and have the present building used for a place of enter- 
tainment. Our friend, Thomas Hutchinson, however, 
thought that the public would take advantage of it and 
that it was no requirement of our Society to furnish 
accommodations for them, and the expense of the pro- 
posed new building was thought to be in the way. The 
plan I had presented not being adopted, the party whom 
I engaged to draw it took it off my hands without charge. 

What prompted the appointment of the committee was 
that the treasurer of the Westtown Committee wanted 

156 



Age 45 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 157 

better acommodation, but he was fitted up to some extent 
in the third story of the Book Store, and afterward the 
office of the treasurer was removed to the Forrest Build- 
ing on Fourth street below Chestnut. 

Eighth month 25. Heard to-day of the death of Anna 
Conrow, my Malinda's grandmother, an honorable Elder, 
who has served her generation well. The funeral is to 
be on the twenty-seventh at 2 P. M. 

Eighth month 26. It was expected that I should go to 
the funeral of grandmother Conrow,* but I cannot feel 
justified in going so far from home in the present con- 
dition of my family. 

Second month 23, 1877. Received a telegram that aunt 
Sarah Nutt had been attacked with apoplexy, which 
would probably be fatal. I went out with cousin Mary 



*The obituary notice in "The Friend" read thus : Died on the 
25th of Eighth month, 1876, Anna E. Conrow, in the 82nd year 
of her age. a member and elder of Stillwater Monthly Meeting, 
Belmont County, Ohio. As a shock of corn cometh in its season 
and as a servant waiting for his Lord, we believe she was found 
with her lamp trimmed and burning. She was preserved in 
patience and innocent sweetness, evincing the benefit of resigna- 
tion to the Divine Will in all things, leaving to her friends the 
consoling assurance that her purified spirit entered into the 
longed-for rest. "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is 
no guile." 

To the above I can add that her memory is very precious to 
me, and I have had great comfort in her society when it has been 
my lot to be with her. — J. S. E. 



158 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1877 

Wood, arriving at Marshallton about 5 P. M., and found 
that aunt Sarah has deceased about 11 A. M. She had 
risen early in the morning and was sitting in her chair, 
able to converse, but about 7 A. M. was attacked with 
apoplexy, which caused great suffering in her head. A 
second attack came on about 9 A. M., and from this she 
did not rally. Funeral to be from Meeting House, Second 
month 26. To an older generation of Westtown pupils 
she was long remembered for her ability as a baker of 
excellent pies. 

Second month 26. A considerable company gathered 
at the Meeting House at the time appointed — 2 P. M. 
An impressive silence prevailing — I think it might be 
said, was accompanied by a solemnity not at our com- 
mand. No public testimony was delivered, but we silently 
committed the remains to the grave and returned to our 
homes, clothed with sobriety. 

Seventh month 22. First-day. Many absent from 
meeting — only three men sat facing the meeting and none 
in the gallery on the women's side. Still, I trust the 
meeting was not held in vain, and there was yet a little 
heavenly bread to take with us to our homes. May the 
Lord bless us in our humble endeavor to support his 
cause, even in our weakness. 

Great difficulty in the country from the uprising of 
workingmen and strikes in different places by railroad 
employees, miners and others. Militia were sent to Pitts- 



Age 47 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 159 

burgh, and some loss of life occurred in the conflicts that 
have taken place. 

Seventh month 26. Monthly Meeting. In the second 
meeting William Evans expressed that he thought it 
would be well to consider whether a meeting under the 
care of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting might not be 
established at West Philadelphia. Samuel Allen thought 
it desirable that a meeting should be set up there. I had 
the same feeling. Charles Evans said it was well for the 
subject to rest on the minds of Friends, but as the meet- 
ing would be within the limits of Western District 
Monthly Meeting, the consent of that meeting should be 
obtained, so the matter was left for the time. 

Ninth month 1. Left Philadelphia in company with 
George J. Scattergood and my son Joseph on board the 
steamer "Roman," the trip being chiefly for the benefit 
of Joseph's health. The next morning, First-day, G. J. S. 
was able to go to the breakfast table, but I did not feel 
like it, and Joseph was a little seasick. We had an invi- 
tation from the captain to the cabin, and were given to 
understand the Scriptures would be read. G. J. S. and 
I went down, and it proved a season of some solemnity. 
The afternoon was spent comfortably, and Joseph was 
able to be at the tea table and enjoyed himself in the 
evening in the wheel-house, the captain taking quite an 
interest in him and rather pleased with his inquisitiveness. 
We arrived safely in Boston on the 3d. I visited the 
Common and saw the spot where the great tree stood, 



160 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1878 

noted in history as being the one on which William 
Leddra, Marmaduke Stephenson, William Robinson and 
Mary Dyer suffered martyrdom. I then visited the State 
Library, where I was joined by G. J. S. and Joseph. 

In the afternoon we took train for New Bedford, where 
we remained over night; and, after a ride around the 
city, we took passage and had a delightful sail to Oak 
Bluff, on Martha's Vineyard, where we dined and had 
a pleasant ride around the place. 

Seventh month 16, 1878. George J. Scattergood and I 
went to Muncy, and later to Elklands. We spent the 
time between Seventh month 16 and Seventh month 25 
attending meetings and visiting among the families in the 
two localities, where we had some interesting opportuni- 
ties. Returned home in time for our Monthly Meeting 
on the 25th. 

At a Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, held 
Eighth month 29, 1878 : 

Our beloved friend, Joseph S. Elkinton, opened in this meet- 
ing a prospect of attending in gospel love the approaching Yearly- 
Meeting of Friends in Ohio; which, upon deliberate considera- 
tion, was freely united with ; and he was liberated and encour- 
aged to attend thereto, under the guidance of best wisdom, he 
being a minister in unity with us. 

A copy of this minute is directed to be furnished him, signed 
on our behalf. 

Taken from the minutes. 

George J. Scattergoood, Clerk. 
Horatio C. Wood, 

Correspondent. 



Age 48 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 161 

Tenth month 24. In the second meeting of our 
Monthly Meeting, held to-day, I returned the minute 
granted me two months ago and informed the meeting 
that, in company with Jacob Roberts, I had attended Ohio 
Yearly Meeting and having, in mercy, been permitted to 
return in peace, I felt thankful to have been allowed to 
mingle with the brethren there. The Yearly Meeting was 
held in the new Meeting House. The affairs were con- 
ducted in harmony and the general expression was that 
Friends had met together for good and were comforted. 
The meetings for worship were seasons of favor. 

Twelfth month. A meeting for worship, under the 
care of the Committee of the Quarterly Meeting, was 
opened Twelfth month 3, 1878, in West Philadelphia, in 
the Meeting House erected at Forty-second and Powelton 
avenue, and was largely attended, the house being about 
6even-eighths full. 

First Month 16, 1879. 

My dear Wife: I telegraphed to thee on Third-day, 
telling of my arrival at Salamanca. It has snowed some 
every day this year, so there is some depth to it. We 
saw a man in Salamanca who gave us information bear- 
ing on our embassy. Next called on A. B. Blinkey, who 
had been a councillor, but was now out of position, both 
as an officer and preacher, having been connected with 
the Baptist Mission in New York. He thinks he will go 
back to the Cattaraugus Reservation, where he came 
from. He gave us considerable information concerning 



162 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1879 

the proceedings of the Council last week, which im- 
peached their president for signing a lease without au- 
thority, and is now turned out and cannot vote nor hold 
office for five years. Arrived at Tunesassa in good time 
for tea and received a hearty welcome. All seemed in 
good health. Yesterday, after dinner, we went to see the 
one who signed an Address to Friends, asking help from 
them. He was not at home, having gone to the Council 
House about half a mile distant. Had a talk with his 
mother-in-law, who is the wife of Peter Crouse, and 
granddaughter of Mary Jimerson, who was the great 
woman of note among the Senecas. Susan Crouse is a 
very intelligent woman, and believes the Indians are 
improving, having better homes, drink less whiskey and 
generally doing better. At the Council House I found 
about fifteen men and boys and two women, the latter 
doing some cooking in a great pot, swung over a famous 
pile of burning wood, in a huge chimney. The women 
seemed to be enjoying what they were at or what they 
had in prospect of doing. Some of the men were en- 
gaged in carpenter work, fixing up their Council House, 
which was in need of repairs. 

Had my conversation with Alexander John, whose 
wife told me they were going to have a New Year's dance 
in about two weeks. 

Alexander John wanted our deputation to meet with 
the Indians of that neighborhood next Second-day. After 
leaving there, traveled back and called on Owen Black- 



Age 49 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 163 

snake, whose son William is likely to be appointed presi- 
dent of the council, to meet next Seventh-day. He has 
been president before and seems like a man of some 
presence. I had a pretty open talk with him about the 
concerns which were felt to most affect their interest 
about not leasing to whites, and dividing their land among 
themselves. I hope he will make way for us to read our 
Address to the Councillors next Seventh-day afternoon, 
which will facilitate matters if the snow does not prevent 
Samuel Morris and Dr. James E. Rhoads from arriving 
at Salamanca in time. If the Councillors give us a 
hearing, we can go on making our appointments on the 
four succeeding days over the reservation, as it will then 
not make so much matter about their presence at the 
after meetings. I would hope for two appointments on 
Second-day at Cold Spring and Oldtown, one at Horse- 
shoe on Third-day and one at Cornplanter's on Fourth- 
day, so that by Sixth-day, if things worked favorably, we 
might go over to Cattaraugus Reservation. Aaron P. 
Dewees talks of driving us over in the sleigh. 

With love, thy husband, 

J. S. E. 

Tunesassa, First month 4, 1879. 

My dear Wife: I stopped in my account yesterday 

without telling how we were spilled out of the sleigh, 

four out of the six of us. I was on the front seat, under 

side, and, finding how things were going, I made a grab 



164 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1879 

for the upper side of the sleigh ; but, missing that, I took 
a grip around Aaron's body, which was no better, for 
out we went together. Fortunately the horses were will- 
ing to stop. We gathered up ourselves and robes and, 
as no one was hurt, proceeded on our way. We had a 
very interesting time at Cornplanter's, having arrived 
there about 10 A. M. We had five hours among them, 
which we improved to best advantage so far as we were 
capable. We returned to the school in time for a good 
supper, the people wondering whether we were in the 
river or what had become of us ; they thought of sending 
a messenger out to hunt us. We were delayed by the 
difficulty in traveling through the snow. We are, how- 
ever, I apprehend, through the heavy end of it, unless 
the weather should turn unfavorable. Yesterday after- 
noon we were at Oldtown, and had quite an interesting 
time. Took the sled, as the sleigh was broken, and found 
it a hard tug for the horses, but the distance much less 
than the day before; by some of us walking up one hill 
we got along. To-day we are waiting to meet a dele- 
gation to confer on business with the Indians at this place. 
William, son of Owen Blacksnake, has been appointed 
president, and it is expected that business will go on. 
We have improved the time as well as we knew how, and 
it is plain we cannot get away from here this week. 

With love, thy husband, 

J. S. E. 



Age 49 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 165 

First month 24. Yesterday we went to Oldtown, taking 
H. Huff for an interpreter. Present, fourteen men and 
four women. 

James Pierce said they had but twelve scholars in 
their school. Most of the young people had grown up. 
Lafayette Barton said there were twenty- three children 
on the roll, which, we understood, were all there were 
in the neighborhood. We found King Pierce a sociable 
man, and he had two daughters. Dr. J. E. Rhoads, before 
meeting, spoke to them as a physician, advising them to 
keep good shoes and underclothes, a protection against 
chest diseases, with which they seem to be troubled. 

When the meeting convened, Samuel Morris read the 
Address. Dr. J. E. R. said a year ago we were asked by 
one hundred Indians to ask the Government not to make 
laws to sanction leases. This year we had letters from 
other parties to the same import. We were satisfied if 
these leases were carried out it would have the effect to 
put all into the hands of white men. If you could take 
care of your royalty of the oil, you could take care of 
the whole thing. Two of our Friends went to Washing- 
ton and told the Senate Committee it would be bad for 
those leases to be confirmed. Others went this winter. 
I heard there was a bill to remove Indians off reserva- 
tion, but was told there was no such bill, but we think 
where there is smoke there is fire, and it is better to stop 
things before they begin. Reasons were given why such 
leases would be injurious, and a letter was written to put 



166 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1879 

on file. We find great difficulty in government. At the 
last presidential election we had great trouble ; men feared 
there would be strife. Many prayers were put up by 
good people ; many felt prayers were answered. We felt 
in Philadelphia you were in trouble, and we want you to 
remember that our Heavenly Father is able to help you. 
You should choose your best men for your affairs. Do 
this and keep united. You have an interest in Cattarau- 
gus, and Cattaraugus Indians have an interest in Alle- 
gheny, and Cornplanters have an interest in both. We 
know there is much difficulty in different minds ; but we 
hope difficulties may be overcome. Be patient about 
difficulties at Salamanca. Some of your men are out of 
heart ; that will not do ; labor on. Having been ten years 
coming among you, we see many indications you are 
doing better. Better teams, better cattle are on hand. 
We hope you are growing more attentive to the great 
subject of religion. We feel respect and reverence for 
good men who feel for their own people and give them 
the hand of encouragement. 

J. S. E. added much in the same line. 

H. Huff (the interpreter) said they wished to express 
thanks to the Friends who had come to advise them. 
They hope those who have come may be spared to get 
back to their families safe. The Indians were then in- 
vited to ask any questions regarding the contents of the 
letter. 

Jesse Jackson wanted to know if the land could be 



Age 49 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 167 

divided and whether there was any bill for that purpose. 
He would like to have his land to himself. 

J. E. R. : One individual cannot have it so, but a bill 
could be passed, enabling all Indians to have it so. First, 
they ought to stop oil leases; second, see to Salamanca 
business ; get that fixed, then you would be in condition 
to divide your lands. 

J. S. E. : Friends have advised for seventy years that 
you divide your land, and if you had done it, much trou- 
ble would have been saved. Now, as Dr. Rhoads has 
said, you must stop the present trouble about oil leases, 
etc., lest others get such a hold on your lands you cannot 
have them to divide. 

J. E. R. : One of our Friends is watching at Washing- 
ton, too. Some of your people feel as if you cannot have 
the government carried on honestly; but white people, 
too, have trouble like that; but when good people unite, 
great improvement takes place. 

At the suggestion of H. Huff, a copy of the Address 
was left with James Pierce. I also gave a copy to Laura 
Jimerson, with some other papers. 

First month 29. We attended the Council at New- 
town, on the Cattaraugus Reservation. Council com- 
menced about 4 P. M. About sixty-five men and a few 
women were present. Sim Logan interpreted for Samuel 
Jimerson. who wanted to say a few words. 

Samuel Jimerson: Very thankful to Friends of Phila- 
delphia, and that all were well. That it is the will of 



168 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1879 

the Great Spirit you should be here. We understand the 
dangers and are glad you are delivered safe. We under- 
stand long while since Friends have interest in our peo- 
ple, and we feel attached in various ways. There has 
always been good feeling from our forefathers, and we 
feel it to-day ; and whatever communication you have, we 
hope you will communicate freely of your feelings. We 
know time is drawing near ; we are embarrassed. Friends 
will give us instructions to meet this embarrassment. We 
are aware you understand proceedings in Congress con- 
cerning the Indians. We feel grateful to know that 
Friends have stood up to defend the Indians, and hope 
this will go on. With these few words we express our 
feelings; you may now commence. 

Samuel Morris : We are glad to see so many Newtown 
people this afternoon. We are very glad they have not 
forgotten they have good friends in Philadelphia, for we 
can tell you that, although we live a great way off, we 
think a great deal about you. Our people often meet to 
talk over Indian affairs and see how we can help you, 
and it was when our people were together lately they 
thought they could do no other than write you a letter, 
not to Newtown people only, but to all the Indians in 
Allegheny and Cattaraugus Reservations. We knew you 
were in trouble, and we hoped to be able to give you 
good advice. We now have come to bring the letter. 
We have come in love, and hope your hearts will be open 



Age 49 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 169 

to hear us and to hear the letter. I will now read the 
letter. 

The reading was proceeded with and listened to with 
great attention, after which J. S. Elkinton told of his 
feelings on meeting with the company. Afterwards 
James E. Rhoads made some remarks. 

Fourth month 10. 

My dear Friend : Thy kind letter of Second month 10, 
1879, reached me in Iowa. I prized it not only for the 
interesting account it gave of objects connected with the 
institution at Tunesassa, but all the more for the sym- 
pathetic interest in my right getting along in that distant 
part of the heritage, where I found a body of friends who 
received me with openness and were disposed to assist me 
in getting from place to place, and in all places I was 
treated with kindness and hospitality. Each of the three 
Monthly Meetings seems to have a range of territory in 
which are those dissatisfied with their old associations 
and seeking that which looks to them more spiritual and 
more in consistency with the profession ever made by 
true Friends since the rise of the Society. There ap- 
pear to be a goodly number coming out in the ministry, 
that instructors may not be wanting. But the experienced 
fathers, shepherds and overseers of the flock do not grow 
up in a day, and more of these would be of service to 
the church. One of the most enjoyable sights to me 
was the young people at the First-day morning meet- 
ing, after the Quarterly Meeting; and that meeting closed 



170 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1879 

with sweetness, and we had some other seasons of favor. 
A religious opportunity at Evan Smith's was a season 
not likely to be soon forgotten, and we were at Margaret 
Pearson's, where our sympathies were drawn out; but it 
did not seem a time for much utterance. Deep calling 
unto deep as it were, there is that that can see and feel in 
secret, committing one another to the keeping of Israel's 
Shepherd. We attended twenty-two meetings in all in 
Iowa, some of them appointed meetings, and I found 
Joseph Walton a good helper in the work. We were at 
Salem and Muscatine, out in the Bear Creek neighbor- 
hood; also in Warren county, then in Marshall county, 
among the Norwegians. Were in Iowa twenty-eight 
days, and saw a good deal in the limits of Salem Quar- 
terly Meeting, Ohio. We spent about an equal amount 
of time in each quarter. The mud would not let us get 
on very rapidly. Returned home a week ago to-day 
(Fourth month 3d), and I trust with thankful hearts 
for the favors received and for those extended to my 
family. . . . Joseph S. Elkinton. 

Fifth month 5. At our last Quarterly Meeting, when 
in the course of reading the minutes of the last meeting, 
liberating me for my religious visit, I reported that, 
shortly after our previous Quarterly Meeting, I started 
on the visit in order to attend Salem Quarterly Meeting, 
Ohio, which was held the same week as our own, and 
was joined a few days later by our friend, Joseph Wal- 
ton, who obtained a minute from his Monthly Meeting 



Age 49 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 171 

to accompany me. We attended the meetings belonging 
to Salem Quarter with the exception of one, which was 
left until our return, and held three public meetings. 
The remembrance of some of the tendering and instruc- 
tive seasons witnessed was precious, and the manner in 
which we were helped over that field is cause for humble 
admiration. We passed on to Iowa in time for the Quar- 
terly Meeting there, which we found a large and growing 
body. It, with its subordinate meetings, which we at- 
tended, were conducted with weight and dignity. We 
were impressed with the important and responsible posi- 
tion which they occupy, the three Monthly Meetings being 
situated from forty to sixty miles apart and some of their 
members being considerably in the distance. There was 
a harvest field there of no ordinary character, and whilst 
mistakes may have been made, there was a living concern 
for the prosperity of Zion and for the enlargement of her 
borders. In visiting the distant points we necessarily 
traveled over considerable ground, holding public meet- 
ings by the way. In all places we were received with 
kindness and a disposition to grant us the use of the 
meeting houses and give notice of the same, helping us 
on our way, and we parted with friendly and comfortable 
feelings. Returning through Salem Quarter (Ohio), we 
held four public meetings and attended the meeting at 
Sewickley, the only meeting now left of what was once 
a large Quarterly Meeting. Considering the natural ad- 
vantages of that country, we were led to inquire the cause 



172 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1879 

of the general desertion, and were told that the extension 
of the mining interest had brought in a class of popula- 
tion, under whose influence Friends thought is undesir- 
able to bring up their children. It was a great satisfaction 
to me to have been allowed the opportunity of carrying 
out a concern which had been long resting on my mind, 
and for the help given me I felt grateful. 

325 Pine Street, Philadelphia, 

Eighth month 15, 1879. 
Dear Aunt R. Patterson : I have a sympathy for thee 
in thy exercised condition, not knowing where will be thy 
abiding place, and which must necessarily be dependent 
upon circumstances. There is certainly a place for us 
in this state of being. We were not created in vain, and 
it is written, "The Lord's arm is not shortened that it 
cannot save, nor his ear grown heavy that it cannot 
hear." Those widows who are left without much of 
this world's goods seem to be in special need of the 
protecting care and guiding hand of Israel's Shepherd, 
but if they fear the Lord, they may hope in his mercy. 
And with all our tribulations and pressures and straits 
and requisitions, it is better to be under the harrow than 
to be left to ourselves in an easy, full, lukewarm or in- 
different state. It would be better to be in prison with 
a sense of Divine support than to have all ease without 
it. I want thee to keep close to the Master, that his 
blessing may be upon thee and thy child, and I want all 



Age 49 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 173 

who would be thy friends to consider thee and remember 
what is declared to be pure religion, undefiled before the 
Father, and strive to know what their individual part is. 
So far as I now see, my part will be to send thee a check, 
which I now enclose, and when I have anything further 
to communicate, will hold myself open for it. 

In sincerity, Joseph S. Elkinton. 

At a Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, held 
Eleventh month 27, 1879 : 

Our beloved friend, Joseph S. Elkinton, a minister in unity 
with us, informed this meeting that he felt an apprehension of 
duty to hold a few appointed meetings along the border of the 
Susquehanna, particularly near the boundary of Maryland also 
one or two with Friends and others near Winchester, Virginia, 
and a few in the city of Baltimore. This prospect claiming the 
serious consideration of this meeting, sympathy and unity with 
him therein were felt and expressed, and he was liberated and 
encouraged to attend thereto as best wisdom may direct. A copy 
of this minute is directed to be furnished him, signed on our 
behalf. 

Taken from the minutes. 

George J. Scattergood, Clerk. 
Charles J. Allen, 

Correspondent. 

Twelfth month. In the Twelfth month, 1879, I was 
engaged with Henry Wood in a religious visit along the 
Susquehanna river, and held a public meeting near Co- 
lora, and then went over into Gideon Smith's neighbor- 
hood, on the other side of the river. We were told that 
the Susquehanna river was lower than it had been for 
seventy-two years. The wells in Darlington, Md., were 
dry. During our stay in the neighborhood of Winchester 



174 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1879 

we were told that during the late war that place had 
changed hands seventy-four times. Whilst out on this 
journey we had a meeting at the Meeting House belong- 
ing to the colored people on Sharpe street, Baltimore. 
After the permission had been given us to hold the 
meeting, I felt I had better go and see the house and, 
finding the pulpit fixed up rather luxuriously, I arranged 
with the sexton to have some chairs placed below the 
pulpit for us, facing the people. The sexton told me that 
the ministers were in conference in an adjoining building, 
and suggested my meeting with them. Henry Wood 
suggested our inviting James Carey to accompany us, 
which we did, and we entered the place where they were 
assembled. The president read the Scriptures and en- 
gaged in prayer. The ministers gave in a little statement 
of the leading points of their exercises in their congrega- 
tions the previous day, without going into much details. 
Some little comment was made as they went along, but 
no severe criticism. They seemed to be in a good spirit 
and acted with dignity as if they were under a sense of 
their responsibilities. I made some remarks, and Henry 
Wood, who had gotten under exercise, spoke excellently 
to a point previously under discussion. He was favored 
with a remarkable opening on the outpouring of the Spirit 
on the day of Pentecost, and in the course of his com- 
munication he said : "Have we an account of any greater 
manifestation of Divine power, under the law, or any 
other dispensation, than that which is given us in the 



Age 49 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 175 

gospel, of the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pen- 
tecost, when men spake in such a way that they were 
understood by different nations?" Henry Wood spoke 
for perhaps twenty minutes. An opportunity was given 
to have our certificates read and to state that our minds 
were impressed to hold a meeting that evening in the 
meeting house adjoining. The way was made quite open 
for us. 

We stated that we mentioned the matter, that if it met 
with their approval, we might have their sympathy. As 
the time for holding the meeting approached, Henry 
Wood felt rather discouraged lest we could not hold 
control of the meeting, but that they might start up some 
singing or something of the kind, but I desired we might 
keep the faith, and I think we were helped. My brother 
Thomas, Charles J. Allen and George J. Scattergood came 
down to Baltimore to attend it. 

After taking our seats in the chairs that had been 
arranged below the pulpit for us, the minister came down 
and asked me if I would open the meeting, and I said, 
''Yes \" I had never made such an answer in similar 
circumstances, but it seemed to me best to do so on that 
occasion, as I feared if they started any exercise to which 
Henry Wood was unaccustomed, he might be jostled. So 
I arose and said, in substance, that we had come to that 
city under a sense that it was a time of visitation to the 
people there of Divine love and mercy, and we wanted 
to meet with them to hold a meeting for worship, but I 



176 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1879 

could not tell them just what the nature of the exercises 
might be or whether there would be any. I added that 
there was one of their people who came into our city 
holding meetings, and on one occasion when the people 
seemed a little unsettled, she said: "If they did not keep 
quiet, endeavoring to worship our Creator, that she 
could not tell what the mind of the Spirit would be;" 
and that I believed if we would all gather into the 
quiet, endeavoring to worship our Creator, that we would 
not spend the evening in vain. We had a solid silence 
for about twenty minutes when Henry Wood was engaged 
in supplication, which tended to deepen the meeting. I 
followed him in testimony, commencing with the words, 
"I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and 
my supplication." After this Henry Wood spoke. His 
mind was led into doctrinal subjects, and he certainly 
covered a great deal of ground, and had the ear of the 
audience. Occasionally one would go out and return, 
bringing with him twenty or thirty persons, so that on 
the whole it was a large meeting. Before the meeting 
closed I engaged in supplication, craving that the church 
might be endued with power from on high. As we 
walked from the meeting, which was two and a quarter 
hours long, Henry Wood remarked that he thought it 
about the best meeting we had held. I rated the day as 
one of the most interesting that I had known whilst out 
in the service of Truth. 

Twelfth month 18. Attended meeting in Baltimore, in 



Age 49 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 177 

which our dear friend, Henry Wood, was acceptably 
engaged in the ministry. I believe I never traveled with 
any one who kept his bow more steadily strung. When 
we went into a Friend's house he would seek to know 
whether any religious service was required of him before 
he could engage in ordinary conversation. We returned 
home on the afternoon of the 18th, having dined with 
Dr. James Carey Thomas and wife. 

Twelfth month 26. Went to Salem to attend the fu- 
neral of Hannah Smith, whose maiden name was Tyler. 
She was a niece of Lucia Elkinton, the second wife of 
my grandfather, Asa Elkinton. In my boyhood days 
cousin Hannah (Tyler) Smith and her son Clement lived 
with her sister, Mary Tyler, over Peter Williamson's 
drug store, at the corner of Second and Almond streets, 
which was near where grandmother Elkinton and aunt 
Hannah Gillespie lived, also aunt Hannah Davis, who 
was a daughter of Lucia Elkinton, thus my father's step- 
sister. The families were very intimate, and I think they 
continued to live in that locality after the death of grand- 
mother and her sister, aunt Hannah Gillespie, who both 
died the same evening, the former in the eightieth, and 
the latter in the ninetieth year of her age. Both had been 
crippled by a fall, one three years and the other five years 
before their death. There was one funeral for the two 
sisters, who were buried in the graveyard at Sixteenth 
and Cherry streets. 

William Evans was remarkably favored at the time of 



178 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1880 

the funeral in speaking to a mixed company. My father 
adverted to his communication as being very impressive 
to him, and he admired the Divine power manifested in 
enabling him to speak so appropriately. Grandmother 
was associated with the Hicksites. The Smith and Tyler 
families afterward moved to Marshall street, near Noble, 
and became members of North Meeting. 

First month 13, 1880. After a meeting held among the 
other branch of Friends (Hicksites), a number came up 
and spoke as if the meeting had been a comfort to them 
and showed me marked kindness. I hope ever to be 
preserved from being lifted up or taken off my feet by 
the approval or praise of men, but rather to be found 
seeking that honor that cometh from God only. But I 
want attention turned to those places or communities 
where there may be felt any drawings of the Spirit to 
visit, believing that there are places where the Lord has 
a work going forward among the people, inclining their 
hearts unto his love, and I trust unto a patient waiting 
for Christ, in whom there may be in some cases more 
of a true belief than we might suppose. 



CHAPTER VII. 
Religious Visits in Pennsylvania and New York. 

Second month 2, 1880. Our Quarterly Meeting was 
held, among others present were father and mother Pat- 
terson. After the second meeting some one remarked 
to father Patterson that mother Patterson had accepted 
an invitation to dine with Abigail Wood, when he re- 
marked, "If Rachel is going, I will go too." His son-in- 
law, John G. Haines, walked with him to Abigail Wood's. 
On entering the house, father spoke of feeling very tired. 
In the hall he took off his overcoat and hat, then, reaching 
for his cane, he fell over. John G. Haines caught him, 
but father had suddenly breathed his last. Mother Pat- 
terson was in the dining-room and, being called, quickly 
came, but not in time to see him alive. It was a sudden 
shock to us — for him to go out of the house with me in 
the morning, and to have his remains brought home in 
the evening in a box. How little we know in the morning 
as to what the day may bring forth ! 

Second month 6. We had a large collection of Friends 
to-day at father Patterson's funeral, which took place at 
our house, 325 Pine street. There were about eighteen 
ministers present. Mother Patterson first broke silence, 
speaking with force and clearance. 'The Lord gave, the 
Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord." 

179 



180 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1880 

She spoke of their being blessed together many years. 
Phebe A. Elkinton, Morris Cope, Elizabeth Allen, Wil- 
liam Kite, brother Tilman Patterson, Henry Wood, Sarah 
A. Collins, Debbie Cope, Marshall Fell, John S. Stokes 
had offerings, either in the line of testimony or suppli- 
cation. 

The burial was at Sixteenth and Cherry streets, and 
the grave within a short distance of where my father and 
mother were interred, they two being in one grave. 

Father Patterson's grave was at the commencement of 
a row starting south from the centre walk or drive. 

Eleventh month II. At our Meeting for Worship held 
to-day there were an unusual number of children present. 
Mother Patterson's heart was opened toward them in an 
affectionate manner, and she desired that all might im- 
prove their opportunities. She commenced with, "What 
thou doest, do with thy might." I felt constrained to 
follow in supplication under a sense that the tender mer- 
cies of the Lord were over all his works. 

Extract from a letter written by J. S. E. First month 
13, 1881: 

The Indians are advancing, and I want to see them 
treated properly. Christianity has more place with them 
than in time past, and there are those among them who 
are doubtless designed as instruments for good in the 
Divine hand; we met with a number that we felt to be 
near the kingdom. Owen Blacksnake and wife came to 
meeting while we were at Tunesassa, and it was a com- 



Age 51 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 181 

fort to me to have their company. Owen told me how 
he felt, and I was satisfied he was not long for this world. 
He has since deceased. One of our friends wrote that 
his funeral was the largest among the Indians. A short 
time before his death he went into an Indian house and, 
seeing a Bible on the table, asked if that book told about 
Jesus. On being answered "Yes," he said, "Good book ; 
I am going to see Jesus." — J. S. E. 

325 Pine Street. 
Philadelphia, First month 13, 1881. 
Chief Joseph Oxesakenrat: 

Respected Friend: I was very glad to get thy note, for 
it would seem by that thou hast reached thy own home 
in safety. I stood and watched thee and thy companions 
returning to Cornwall Island, on the ice, on the morning 
of the 26th of last month, until there was danger of my 
taking cold. My secret desires were that you all might be 
preserved through the dangers of that day, and in mercy 
your lives be spared, not only to get to your home, but 
also be made, in the future, a blessing to your people. 

I did receive two copies of the "Iroquois Gospel," but 
had so much to attend to since my return home that I 
did not get them acknowledged. I am very much obliged 
for thy attention. 

Hoping the blessing of the Lord may be with thee, and 
with thy family and people. 

I am thy friend, 

Toseph S. Elkinton. 



182 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1881 

First month 21, 1881. George J. Scattergood and I 
returned last night from a trip among the Indians on 
Long Island. We had two meetings among the Shine- 
cock Indians and one among a band of about fifty at 
Poosepattuck, about eight miles from Yaphank, that we 
knew nothing of before we reached Long Island. These 
meetings were held to satisfaction and it was a very 
interesting visit, there being real piety found amongst 
them. One, Betsey Cuffee, aged about eighty-five, was 
especially interesting, of whom is the following little 
account : 

This dear woman, Betsey Cuffee, is a believer in secret 
prayer; she told us that when she first became serious, 
her husband was far from being a religious man, and she 
prayed that he might be a Christian, and when he became 
so, she prayed for her children and had the satisfaction 
of having them all, as she said, members of the church. 
Her husband was a deacon in it. She spoke as one who 
had seen many tribulations, but her stay seemed to be in 
the Lord, in whose mercy she had hope. She spoke of 
entertaining good people in her house and always willing 
to share what she had. She was evidently concerned for 
the welfare of her people. 

She also told of a minister who came amongst them to 
end his days, and when near his end he got up from his 
deathbed and went upon his knees, and prayed that the 
tribe might be blessed. 



Age 51 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 183 

Extract from a letter dated Second month 17, 1881, by 
J. S. E.: 

After leaving Dunkirk last month, Joseph Walton and 
I proceeded to Canada and had an interesting visit with 
the Indians on the Grand River Reservation, and thence 
to the St. Regis and Oneida Indians. We were out forty- 
five days and had, in the course of our journeyings, con- 
siderable exposure and some perils, but the retrospect 
affords us peace and comfort. We had some very 
interesting opportunities, one meeting in particular on 
Cornwall Island I never expect to forget, for on that 
memorable occasion I felt that there was but a step 
between us and death. Since our return we have heard 
of the death of Chief Joseph Onesakenrat, who was at 
the meeting and was engaged in prayer, as well as vocal 
exercise ; he had been instrumental in gathering some of 
the Indians on that island from under the influence of 
the priest, among whom is Michael Benedict, the principal 
man on the island, one of tender, loving spirit, and it was 
in his house the meeting was held. — J. S. E. 

Second month 24. I was engaged to-day in meeting to 
speak on the passage : "Children, obey your parents in all 
things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord" ; also dwelt 
on "Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may 
be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." 
After addressing the children to some length, I turned 
to the condition of the shepherds who were watching 
over the flock at night, when there was a light which did 



184 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1881 

shine above them, the glory of the Lord was about them 
when an angel spake to them : "I bring you good tidings 
of great joy which is to all people, unto you is born this 
day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the 
Lord." My heart was knit in an especial manner to some 
in younger life, believing that the door was now open for 
them to take hold of the mercies of the Lord, which were 
now extended, and they might take comfort in that it was 
for all people the glad tidings were declared. 

At a Monthly Meeting of Friends of * Philadelphia, Fourth 
month 28, 1881. 

Our beloved friend, Joseph S. Elkinton, informed this meet- 
ing that he had felt his mind drawn towards the inhabitants 
of some of the towns and villages located within the limits 
of Exeter and Muncy Monthly Meetings, and that he believed 
that it would be right for him to appoint some public meetings 
within and adjoining those limits. This prospect claiming our 
weighty consideration, sympathy and unity with him therein were 
expressed, and he was liberated and encouraged to pursue it, as 
Truth may open the way, he being a minister in unity with us. A 
copy of this minute was directed to be furnished him, signed on 
our behalf. 

Taken from the minutes. 

George J. Scattergood, Clerk. 
Charles J. Allen, 

Correspondent. 

Fifth month 4. Attended the funeral of Susan Cozens, 
held at the Meeting House at Chester, Pa., at 2.30 P. M. 

Fifth month. For some time I have felt a concern for 
holding some Meetings for Worship in the vicinity of 
Muncy and Exeter, more particularly among the German 



Age 51 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 185 

Lutherans, but have rather held back from starting out 
on this service, but it now seems as if the time were at 
hand. Should I be allowed the company of such an 
experienced workman as Elwood Dean, I believe the good 
cause would be helped, although I trust neither of us 
would depend upon one another for that which can only 
come from the true source. Should Elwood Dean's 
Monthly Meeting feel easy to liberate him to pursue the 
line of service in these parts as way may open, it will be 
very grateful to me. — J. S. E. 

Fifth month n. Elwood Dean and uncle Jesse De- 
wees are with us. We had a favored time at the 
breakfast table; both Elwood Dean and myself were 
engaged in supplication. I felt constrained to express 
my gratitude for the visitations so mercifully granted to 
our family of late, and petitioned the Lord that the 
angel of his presence might be round about those who 
went out before the people, and also those who remained 
at home. 

Eighth month 26. Yesterday came to Catawissa and 
made arrangements for a meeting to be held this eve- 
ning. The house was well filled and we had a good 
meeting. The people were certainly very attentive. 

There were a good many boys assembled outside, who 
were persuaded to come in. Some were disposed to 
ridicule, saying, "We are going to have a Quaker Meet- 
ing.'' I answered them, saying, "Yes, we are going to 



186 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1881 

have a Quaker Meeting; now let us go in and see what 
a Quaker Meeting is." 

Extract from a letter Eighth month, 1881 : 

The meeting held at Catawissa was in a very old log 
meeting house, belonging to Friends formerly. The 
next morning we had a mountainous ride of fifteen miles 
to Roaring Creek, and sat in a house much like the one 
at Catawissa, built in 1796. Many more were present 
than we expected, and it was a precious meeting. I shall 
long remember the tender feelings and sweetness of the 
occasion. Elwood Dean was very earnest and plain in 
his communication. Being nestled in the woods the situa- 
tion of the house was very pretty. — J. S. E. 

Eighth Month 28, 1881. 

My dear Wife: Thy feeling letter of 24th was duly 
received and very acceptable. Thy letter received yes- 
terday, telling of Sarah A. Deacon's sudden call, is very 
affecting. As I bid her farewell, the words were on the 
end of my tongue, and I cannot tell whether I really 
expressed them or not, but I felt like saying to her, 
"This is the last time we shall see each other." There is 
an indistinct recollection of her responding to something 
I said, that she hoped we should see each other again 
and the conversation was extended a little farther. 

Well, my dear, let us strive to keep nearer the Fountain 
head, in which exercise we may be blessed together. I 
believe I thought of thee in meeting to-day as much as I 
have ever done before, and was clothed with the spirit of 



Age 51 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 187 

prayer, and gave some expression in that line. Elwood 
Dean followed in testimony. There were about one hun- 
dred present. One after another of our dear friends are 
being removed. We have had much to experience in that 
line, but we and our children, save dear little Thomas, 
are still spared. May we be blessed together and have 
the satisfaction of knowing all to be walking in the Truth, 
and ripening for the Heavenly garner. We have lived 
together nearly twenty-five years, been partakers of many 
exercises, but we have reason to believe the Lord has 
not forsaken us, and will He not support us? 

With love, thy husband, 

J. S. E. 

Eighth month 30, 1881. 
My dear Wife : My mind has been much on the funer- 
al of our dear friend, S. A. Deacon. There is something 
precious in the thought of falling in the harness, or of 
being found at our post at the call of our Lord. I had 
a good deal of a struggle, traveling through the dust 
yesterday, between having my mind on the funeral at 
Germantown and the preparation for the work of the 
evening, and Elwood Dean had enough to do to get his 
mind quiet. He went to bed the first thing on getting to 
the hotel, but the bathtub was the first place for me and 
then supper, after which I had an hour for rest before 
the meeting. With love, thy husband, 

J. S. E. 



188 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1881 

Ninth month 5. 

My dear Wife: I parted with our son Joseph this 
morning at Canton with rather a heavy heart, for I 
wanted him to go on to Tunesassa with us, knowing his 
heart was in it, and Elwood Dean also regretted his 
leaving us. 

Riding in the cars to Elmira from Canton the language, 
"As a father pitieth his children," was very pleasant with 
me ; and all our children were brought to view in as close 
and dear a manner as I ever remember and with an in- 
creased love. I think the value of them ever increases 
in our eyes. Whilst I really wanted Joseph to go on with 
us, I could not insist, for we heard that they had typhoid 
fever at Tunesassa. We have been exposed to malarial 
fever, smallpox and considerable dust and heat, and it is 
likely we are to meet with some more of the miseries 
mankind is subject to, but if our son had taken up with 
any of the evils named, there would doubtless have been 
sorrow enough in the camp. Mercury to-day 95° in the 
shade. With love, thy husband, 

J. S. E. 
Tunesassa, Ninth month 10, 1881. 

My dear Wife : Thou wrote me an excellent letter on 
the 3d inst, our twenty-fifth anniversary, for which I 
was truly obliged. I have it not by me just now, but the 
spirit of it is very fresh, and whilst I did not employ my 
time in writing to thee on that day, nor could I say that 
my thoughts were on the subject that particular day, yet 



Age 51 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 189 

some days before it was a good deal with me, contem- 
plating what we had witnessed, and our being yet spared 
together. Sincere and, I trust, devout feelings of thank- 
fulness were experienced for that which does make us 
one another's joy in the Lord. I have never known any 
greater depth of feeling in that oneness which those feel 
who are truly united than at this time, the experience of 
which is very confirming as to our belonging one to the 
other, of which there never was a doubt since our union ; 
but then it is precious, not only to be baptized together, 
but to feel that we are one and that the blessing of the 
Lord has not been withheld, and whatever may yet be 
suffered to overtake us, we may hope in the mercy and 
goodness of the Lord, whose blessing alone can make 
truly rich. I cannot write more in this line, although my 
heart is full of feeling. When I said I must write to 
thee, Uncle Jesse said, "Be sure and send my love." 
"Yes," I said, "on first page and first thing, so as to be 
sure and get it done." But then my own love is the 
strongest and so overshadowed his message that I forgot 
it until I had something written for myself. 

Thine of the 8th inst. was handed me this morning, 
and I was hungry for it. Ninety-seven degrees is the 
highest I have seen the mercury since coming here. El- 
wood Dean and I have been quite becalmed since Fifth- 
day morning. Whether the weather has had anything to 
do with it or not, we have found the easiest thing to 
do was to spend much of the time on the lounge. I have 



190 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON iggl 

felt glad that we went to Cornplanter's on Fourth-day 
and made some calls on the way, especially on Cynthia 
Gordon. 

Fifth-day morning we had Indians here from different 
parts of the Reservation, Cynthia Gordon from Corn- 
planter's, Laura Jimerson Huff from Oldtown, Wallace 
Jimerson and wife from Red House, and they brought 
with them Wallace's grandfather, William Patterson, the 
oldest Indian on the Reservation ; they say he is ninety- 
six years of age. The afternoon was pretty much spent 
in conversation, somewhat of a religious character, so it 
was a pretty full day's service. 

The situation here has been very grave, the wells at 
the barn are dry, also the well at the house, and a very 
small amount of water in the cistern for rain water. No 
water at either of the tenement houses, and the only well 
available for the institution is one at the foot of the hill 
behind the house, from which four families now get their 
supply. The creek can be walked over without wetting 
one's boots, and the Indians say they have never seen 
the river so low. Last week things were alarming. Fire 
in the woods approached so near that much timber and 
some fencing on the farm were destroyed, and in one 
place the fire was within three hundred or four hundred 
yards of the buildings. The rain on the night of the 1st 
inst. put out the fire. I fear the low state of the water 
and another cause had something to do with the sickness 
here the past season, and the Committee will have some- 



Age 51 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 191 

thing to do to get things into better shape. Early this 
morning E. Dean said he felt easy to move on toward 
Salem, and wished me to go with him. I said it was too 
foggy and cloudy to start; I wanted a little daylight and 
a little strength and we had better stay until Second-day, 
to which he settled down gracefully. Keep patient, my 
dear; I think thou will see me settled down at home yet. 
I intend to give up my minute at our next Monthly 
Meeting. With love to all, thy loving husband, 

J. S. E. 

Extract from a letter, dated Tenth month 15, 1881 : 

I traveled round with our friends, Elwood Dean and 
Jesse Dewees, until I saw them in their own land, and 
then parted in the fellowship of the Gospel. We spent 
over six weeks attending meetings, in which we were 
favored with Divine support, and found an open door 
among the people. We were in Berks, Lycoming and 
Northampton counties of this state and at about six 
meetings in Ohio. 

In sincerity, thy friend, 

Joseph S. Elkinton. 

First month i, 1882. We had a good meeting to-day 
at Orange Street. I engaged in prayer, it being the first 
time I have appeared in vocal service in my meeting for 
months. The sense of the Good Master's presence was 
very sweet and precious to me. 

Extract from a letter to Joseph Stratton, First month 
23, 1882: 



192 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1882 

What a blessing it is to have a heart that is not only- 
open, but capable of appreciating the blessings, temporal 
and spiritual, that are bestowed upon us, and to know 
something of thanksgiving under a sense of the Lord's 
mercies. It is one thing to be witness of the mercies and 
power of the Most High and another thing to abide the 
varied appointments of the Lord without murmurings or 
without suffering anything to come between us and our 
Maker. "The Lord is my strength and my song, and He 
is become my salvation.'' I hear thou art preparing for 
a journey to the West with our dear friend, Elwood 
Dean. May the Lord be with you in your going out and 
in your coming in, and be your strength and support. 
Remember the cold weather and keep prudence aboard 
the ship, for it is written that "Wisdom does dwell with 
prudence." We have bodies as well as souls. 

Joseph S. Elkinton. 

Extract from a letter to E. P. and C. V. Sellew at the 
time of the death of one or more of their children, dated 
Philadelphia, First month 29, 1882 : 

During the past week the expression of our Saviour 
has been much before me: "My soul is exceeding sor- 
rowful," also "The cup which my father hath given me, 
shall I not drink it ?" But little did I know of your expe- 
rience until our friend, Joseph Walton, handed me the 
letter yesterday which told of your trials. I desire to 
offer the word of sympathy so far as we are capable of 
feeling, and am not altogether without knowing some- 



Age 52 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 193 

thing whereof I speak; having lost one child as a father 
I know of the hold the children have on one's affections. 
I admired the support with which my dear wife was 
favored on that solemn occasion, and that the young may 
be favored with the streams of consolation from the 
Author of all good, who can fill the blank which He 
himself createth, is the breathing of my spirit. There are 
seasons of favor when our hearts turn toward our chil- 
dren and more directly toward Him who gave them life 
and withal an immortal soul. We can bless his great 
and holy name. 

But when a separation is threatened, to know of that 
resignation of which we may have preached even before 
the congregation, or when the Great Creator and Disposer 
of all things recalls his gifts, to be able not only to say, 
"Thy will be done," but to rejoice that we had such 
offerings of the Lord's own preparing to offer, does 
require faith and an attainment of the Apostolic injunc- 
tion, 'Tn everything give thanks, for this is the will of 
God concerning you." We cannot tell what the children 
may have been spared by their removal, nor what use 
the Almighty designs for us to make of that time and 
strength which, had they lived, should have been ex- 
pended upon them ; only in this we may rest assured, that 
as the anointing is with us and in us, we shall be taught 
of the Lord, of his ways and his will, as we are able to 
receive and bear it. In sincerity, 

Joseph S. Elkixton. 



194 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1882 

First month. As I was going into Arch Street Meeting 
this morning a friend greeted me and said he was at Pine 
Street Meeting the day my father first appeared in sup- 
plication which made a great impression on his mind. I 
suppose that must have been about fifty-eight years ago, 
for father did appear in the ministry when a young man 
for a few years. He occasionally spoke in families, but 
I have no recollection of hearing him offer vocal service 
in Meetings for Worship. I have no doubt his early 
experience was a good preparation for the office of Elder 
to which he was appointed about the year 1844. 

Second month 23. In our Monthly Meeting for busi- 
ness, a minute was granted me to hold public meetings 
and perform other religious service on Long Island as 
Truth opened the way. 

Third month j. Left home Third month 3, 1882, to 
pay a religious visit on Long Island. I met Edward 
Maris in New York, and we went direct to Flushing, 
L. I., and were received with marked kindness by Dr. 
Stephen Wood. Flushing is a good deal to New York 
what Chestnut Hill is to Philadelphia — a place for the 
wealthy to resort, but not very flourishing ground for 
Quakerism. Dr. Wood has a fine collection of ancient 
Friends' works. 

There is in Flushing an old mansion well kept up, 
where George Fox made his home when he was on the 
island, and some of his letters are still there. An ancient 
meeting house, where the Yearly Meeting was once held, 



Age 52 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 195 

is still standing, and the grounds and graveyard appear 
in creditable condition. On the 8th we were at Glen 
Cove College, where a meeting was granted us with the 
students, who behaved well. That evening we had a 
good and satisfactory meeting at Westbury. Next morn- 
ing I called on an aged Friend of ninety-two, who was 
bright in her faculties and conversed interestingly. She 
attended the meeting on Fifth-day morning with one of 
her granddaughters. 

We traveled into Yaphank and were hospitably and 
creditably entertained at the County Poor House, which 
institution is well managed ; about eighty inmates who do 
a good deal of farm work, basket making, etc. From that 
institution we went to a sort of Orphanage, which seemed 
more for the poor of the county under sixteen years ; 
they had a religious matron. The children recited the 
XXIII Psalm, and they did a little singing, which I had 
no wish for them to exercise on my account. Visited the 
Indian school at Poosepattach and had some religious 
service, and then passed on through Moriches to South- 
ampton, getting our dinner by the way about 4 P. M. 
YVe rode through a great deal of rain in an open wagon, 
so a little fire and dinner were good for us. Arrived 
at Southampton in the evening and made arrangements 
for a meeting among the Presbyterians for the next eve- 
ning, where about two hundred were present. The doc- 
trines of the atonement, the divinity of our Saviour, the 
inspiration of the Scriptures, baptism and the doctrine 



196 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1882 

of the universal saving light were all dwelt upon. On 
First-day two meetings were held among the Indians, and 
we visited perhaps twenty of their houses and had some 
very interesting opportunities with them. 

On my way home from Long Island, I was favored 
with comfortable feelings. — J. S. E. 

Third month jo. At Monthly Meeting to-day I re- 
turned my minute, telling Friends that I had visited all 
the places I had in mind when the minute was granted. 
I had been accompanied by Edward Maris, and we had 
been kindly received. A disposition was shown to open 
the way for the prosecution of the concern, and public 
meetings had been held, apparently to the comfort of 
those concerned, and I had been permitted to return with 
quiet and comfortable feelings. 

Memorandum from Cynthia Gordon concerning her 
daughter : 

Fourth month 8, 1882. 

The Lord hath visited us by death; He has taken our 
daughter away. She died yesterday, about 2 o'clock in 
the afternoon, and is to be buried to-morrow. Meeting 
for funeral will be at 11 o'clock, if nothing prevents. 

We have this belief — that she was prepared for death, 
and that she has gone to be forever with the redeemed. 
We noticed a change had taken place in her mind some 
time ; that she was trying to be the Lord's child, and was 
comforted when she knew she had been trying to be 
good, and that the Lord had helped her to overcome her 



Age 52 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 197 

sins. She had a great love for her brother, who, she 
knew, is not trying to do as he ought, and often felt 
troubled on his account, and would ask me to talk to 
him, encourage him to do right, that we may all meet in 
heaven. 

Night before last, as her father and myself were sitting 
by her bedside, she encouraged me to do all I could for 
her brother, that he too might be saved from everlasting 
punishment; that we may all meet in heaven, and then 
inquired where he was, and we called him to her bed- 
side, and she called him by name and addressed him with 
these same words above, with the addition that "this is 
not hard." 

Copy of a letter from Cynthia Gordon* to R. S. Allen : 
Corxplaxter's, Sixth month 2, 1882. 

Dear Friend : I have received thy acceptable letter 
soon after date. In answer to thy question, I will say 
my desires to be received into membership with Friends 
are the same. I have no wish to change my mind, for I 
see the truthfulness of the doctrines and testimonies of 
Friends more and more, and it is my desire, day by day, 
to come clean out of the ways of the world. 

My husband asked me the other day what I should do 
if I were not to be received. "Oh !" I said. "I could not 



♦Cynthia Gordon, a Seneca Indian, a descendant of Corn- 
planter, eventually became a member of the Monthly Meeting of 
Friends of Philadelphia. She sustained an excellent character 
among her people, and during the few remaining years of her 
life was in close sympathy with the Friends at Tunesassa. 



198 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1882 

go back to where I had been ; I would be a Quaker still." 
I cannot believe those things again that I used to believe, 
nor do the things that I used to do, so I do not see how 
I could be otherwise. My greatest object is to belong to 
the True Church of Christ, and if I am inwardly, it does 
not make much difference if I should not be received 
outwardly. 

Sometimes I think I am making too much trouble for 
the Friends. I am living so far away from your meet- 
ings, and it is adding to their many cares, as I see in the 
pamphlet about the Yearly Meeting they have much to 
see to, so, if it should be rather a hard thing to do with, 
never mind. I think it will be all right, for the same 
care to be kept in the right path will always be necessary. 

Try friend, 

Cynthia Gordon. 

Sixth month 15. I felt my mind unusually attracted 
to the children to-day in meeting, although I believe they 
are always more or less on my mind; but as the schools 
are about to vacate, it is probable that to some of us it 
might prove a final parting. I desired a blessing on my 
children and the children of others also. I wanted the 
children supported in their various exercises that they 
might be enabled to discharge their duties with fidelity; 
that they might mind the restraining as well as constrain- 
ing influences, and strive to conduct themselves in such 
a way that they could ask for the divine blessing, and 
that they might be preserved from unseen dangers. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
Various Visits to Indians and Elsewhere. 

Sixth month 26. Extract from a letter to Clarkson 
Sheppard from J. S. E. : 

Dear Friend Clarkson Sheppard : I want some one 
to write an essay for the invalids and those who may 
be in suffering, to picture a little what visitors receive by 
their bedside, the instruction from their conversation, the 
savor of their spirits and the sense of the presence of the 
Saviour. And there is another class to write for — those 
who help the workers behind the scene, and who really 
have no small influence in moulding and developing the 
characters of the workers. I rather think that most of 
the marked men and women before the world are those 
who have been well supported by their companions, 
children or intimate friends. Those who give the strength 
of their spirits and their help deserve a kindly remem- 
brance. 

If no one would entertain or provide for our families, 
or attend to our business in our absence, our chariot 
wheels would drag much more heavily. One morning 
my thoughts were running in this line and I thought I 
must try and write, so I left my bed, dropped a few tears 
and took up the pen. I think I did about as well as the 
Friend who concluded to write a journal, so he began 

199 



200 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON is82 

by saying he was born of godly parents, for he thought 
he could say that in truth ; then he could write no more, 
and there he stopped. I thought I loved the children and 
wrote a few lines and then I stopped, guessing I had bet- 
ter leave writing for those who knew how to write. So 
do thou write on, for I cannot. I will send thee what I 
started and thou canst see just how I fetched up; it will 
show thee I had one parent out in the service, and I verily 
believe that both of my parents walked in the Truth and 
wanted their children to do the same, but it does not fol- 
low that I will have much success, either in publishing 
the word or in strengthening either the brethren or chil- 
dren. With love, J. S. E. 

Seventh month jj. Came with mother Patterson to 
the home of John G. Haines, leaving the city on the 5.30 
train. After tea mother was walking on the porch, look- 
ing at the moon, which she thought had never appeared 
more beautiful. She was also thinking of the transition 
from time to eternity of Abigail Wood, when, not taking 
heed to her steps, she made a misstep and fell off the 
porch, about three feet to the ground, and broke both 
bones of the right limb above the ankle, also the bone 
of her left arm near the shoulder. We speedily obtained 
Dr. Newlin Stokes from Moorestown, and made her as 
comfortable as possible on a bed put up for her in the 
parlor. Dr. Stokes wanted an experienced surgeon from 
the city, so Dr. Ashhurst and a nurse came from the city 



Age 52 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 201 

next morning. Mother's sufferings were intense. Ether 
was administered, which had the happy effect of not only- 
releasing her from the pain for the time being, but she 
seemed to be in a state of melody, bringing out some 
Scriptural passages in a very melodious manner. It is a 
very serious dispensation to us and hard to bear to see 
mother so broken up, but a great favor that she seems so 
self-possessed, no murmuring; says she cannot ask why 
it should be permitted, but supposes there must be some 
good purpose intended. 

Eleventh month 6. Near the close of the Quarterly 
Meeting held to-day at Arch Street, my son Joseph spoke 
in the line of the ministry, the subject-matter being in 
the line of an address to the shepherds, that they might 
stand and, through the help of Him who is all sufficient, 
be able to minister to the needs of the flock. 

Testimony of Joseph Elkinton, in the twenty-sixth 
year of his age, at Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting Elev- 
enth month 6, 1882: 

"Ye w r atchmen who stand upon the walls, who cannot 
cry peace in time of war, hold fast your faith in confi- 
dence : fear not, nor be dismayed, though the enemy come 
in like a flood; neither cast aside your shields as if they 
had not been anointed, for the Lord will have the victory 
in his own time, and his banner shall yet be exalted. 
Verily, he knoweth those who stand in the gap and can- 
not hold their peace for Jesus Christ's sake." 



202 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1882 

Eleventh month 14, 1882. 
Cynthia Gordon, 

Dear Friend : My thoughts have often been with thee 
since we saw each other last summer, with fervent de- 
sires for thy welfare in every way. No doubt thou hast 
thy trials in life, and the necessary cares may be pretty 
heavy sometimes ; but when our Heavenly Father is 
pleased to favor us with a sense of his love and good- 
ness, then hard things are made easy, and we can even 
go and rejoice on our way. My mother-in-law met with 
a bad accident soon after we returned from our visit to 
Tunesassa, breaking three bones, but she is now able 
to walk about the room a little, and we hope she will get 
out again among her friends. I am glad that the knowl- 
edge of thy being a member of the Society of Friends 
makes thee feel happy, and if we keep to the principles 
and practices of the Society of Friends, I believe we shall 
be truly happy in this world and in that world which is 
to come. With love to thyself, husband and son. 

Joseph S. Elkinton. 

First month 3, 1883. Taking a copy of the "Selections 
from the Writings of W'illiam Penn" to the Seaman's 
Home, I had a very interesting conversation with the 
secretary, and was pleased to find they were in the way 
of keeping up small libraries of selected books to place 
on board of vessels and to exchange them from time to 
time. 

First month 6. William P. Townsend called this morn- 



Age 52 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 203 

ing and, in course of conversation, told me that during 
the war, when the southern army entered Pennsylvania, 
Ebenezer Worth prayed that it might not be permitted 
to come east of the Susquehanna, and he vowed that if 
they were turned back upon their own land, he would 
give his corn crop to the poor, which he faithfully ful- 
filled, sending $2,000 to the suffering in Southern States. 

Second month i. I think we were favored in our 
meeting at Arch Street with a spirit of tenderness, and 
I was engaged in supplication, desiring we might be 
helped from on high. 

Third month 12. This afternoon I went with brother 
Thomas out to Media to see the house he has been build- 
ing there for a summer residence. 

Fourth month. About the first of this month I rented 
a house at 248 South Third street for the purpose of 
making a temporary home for Friends visiting this city, 
and have been busily engaged in getting it equipped. I 
hope there may be something of a Divine blessing to 
attend it. 

Sixth month 8. Jonathan E. Rhoads called on me 
to-day, stating he had obtained a minute from his 
Monthly Meeting, liberating him to appoint public meet- 
ings within the limits of Salem Quarterly Meeting, New 
Jersey, and he came to ask me to join him. 

Sixth month 28. Obtained a minute from my Monthly 
Meeting, liberating me to accompany Jonathan E. Rhoads 
in the service in southern Xew Jersey. 



204 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1S83 

Tenth month 5. I gave up my minute last Fifth-day 
week, and Jonathan E. Rhoads gave up his day before 
yesterday, and in each of our Monthly Meetings satis- 
faction was expressed with our reports. We had been 
pretty well over the southern part of New Jersey, and 
found openness in the people. We were accommodated 
with meeting houses and entertained with marked hos- 
pitality; and what was more than all else, we were sup- 
ported in our engagements, although at times it was in 
physical weakness that we pursued the concern. One 
First-day we attended three meetings and traveled some 
thirty-five miles in carriages. 

First month 20. Attended the morning meeting at 
Reading, in company with William U. Ditzler and El- 
hanan Zook, and it was a season of favor. In the after- 
noon we went to the prison, where we had engaged to 
hold a meeting with the prisoners at 2 P. M. and where 
the following interest incident took place, which I will 
quote from a memorial of William U. Ditzler: "While 
engaged in preaching to the assembled prisoners at 
Reading, Pa., several men and women from the town 
being also present, he made some attempts to use his 
customary expression, 'My brethren and sisters,' but felt 
a stop in his mind before reaching the word 'sisters.' In 
one instance near the end he succeeded in saying, 'My 
brethren and sister,' but was prevented by the same check 
from uttering the last of the words in the plural as 'sis- 
ters.' At the close of the meeting several who knew, as 



Age 54 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 205 

he did not, that among the four hundred in the audience, 
some of them women, there was but one female prisoner, 
expressed their admiration at his preservation in the 
Truth. His only explanation could be that it was simply 
by minding his Guide.'" 

First month 30, 1884. I attended Twelfth Street 
Meeting, and felt it my place to appear in supplication, 
although the meeting was getting long. In the course 
of my offering I craved that those who cared for and 
prescribed for the sick should be favored with judg- 
ment, and that all might be supported in the discharge 
of their responsibilities ; to be preserved from being car- 
ried off the foundation, or to a disinclination to gather 
inward to the place of true waiting. I heard after meet- 
ing that one of their members had a very narrow escape 
from death whilst under the influence of ether during 
an operation. On finding he was apparently sinking, they 
used great exertion and active measures to revive him 
and finally succeeded, but it was a very serious case. 

Second month 4. In the second or business meeting 
of our Quarterly Meeting, a new appointment of a West 
Philadelphia Meeting Committee was made, whereby I 
was released. I had been on that committee five years, 
and was interested in the meeting, and believe I endeav- 
ored to discharge my duty there to the best of my knowl- 
edge, which affords me comfort in the retrospect. 

Second month 10. At our meeting at Orange Street, 
as I entered the Meeting House it seemed to me that we 



206 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1884 

would have the Master with us, and I was led to speak 
of the favor it is to be covered with an overshadowing 
sense of Divine goodness and feel the Saviour's pres- 
ence; and I had an opening on the language of our 
Saviour to Peter, "I give unto thee the key of the king- 
dom of heaven." It was the sight and sense he had of 
Jesus being the son of the living God, and this hold on 
the Saviour is that which stands us instead, that we may 
be built on Christ Jesus, the Rock of Ages, on whom the 
Church is to be built, and the living members of the 
Church are those who are rightly grounded in the truth 
as it is in Jesus; to know Him and to be revealed unto 
them, as He was unto Peter. 

In the afternoon meeting I was engaged in supplica- 
tion, that if consistent with the Divine will, we might be 
favored with a greater measure of life and power, and 
that He who could cause the mind to blow upon the dry 
bones, and who could breathe at his pleasure, might 
breathe on us and gather us. 

Third month 21. At our Meetings for Sufferings, a 
clear statement of the "Charleston Fund" was read, 
showing how a grant was first made by the King through 
the Governor of South Carolina to Thomas Kimberly and 
others for a tract of land for a meeting house. T. K. 
conveyed it to trustees, for the purpose originally granted, 
some of whom died, and the property was held by one 
trustee for a long time, but through the labors of Friends 
of Philadelphia, at the request of Friends of London, it 



Age 54 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 207 

was redeemed and conveyed to trustees appointed by 
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. 

At one time, however, it was in the hands of trustees 
appointed by North Carolina Yearly Meeting, but by 
decision or request of that Yearly Meeting it was recon- 
veyed to trustees appointed by Philadelphia Yearly 
Meeting, and by their influence an act was obtained from 
the legislature of South Carolina, allowing some of the 
accrued income to be expended for building, furnishing 
and supporting Meeting Houses in any part of the United 
States. One-third of the income has been expended in 
assisting Meeting Houses in the limits of North Carolina 
Yearly Meeting. 

Third month 29. Went to Cape May to recruit a little, 
my system being run down. Went to the house kept by 
Henry Sawyer, who was a man in whom I had become 
interested. H. S. had had the opportunities of knowing 
the miseries of war, having been in many engagements. 
He had been shot through the body, one bullet supposed 
to be still in him. He was a prisoner nine months in Libby 
prison, during which time an act of retaliation was de- 
cided upon because of two men having been executed 
under the direction of General Burnside for recruiting 
men in the northern line for the southern army, so it was 
concluded to execute two captains, prisoners in Libby 
prison, Henry Sawyer being one of the two drafted to be 
thus put to death. He was allowed, however, to write 
to his wife, telling her of his sentence and inviting her to 



208 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1884 

come and see him. The letter was shown to President 
Lincoln, who sent word to the confederate authorities, 
by flag of truce, that General Butler had orders that 
whenever information (official or unofficial) came to 
them of the killing of Captain Sawyer and his comrade, 
to execute a son of General Lee and also one of the 
generals who were prisoners at that time. This put a 
stop to the affair and an exchange was afterwards made, 
liberating H. Sawyer and his comrade. I asked H. S. 
if he were not about ready to conclude that the welfare 
of mankind would be promoted by the adoption of peace- 
able principles? He replied, "If mankind would be 
governed by their conviction of right, we would have 
a better time of it." 

Fifth month 24. Having rented a house at Malvern 
for the summer, went there with my dear wife, having 
obtained a special car for her comfort. Dr. McCollin, 
the nurse, and son William also accompanied her, brother 
Thomas being very helpful in making the ride to the 
station as comfortable as possible. 

Sixth month 11. Attended the marriage of my son 
Joseph with Sarah W. Passmore, at Concord Meeting 
House. About sixty of us went from the city in a special 
train to Concord, where we were suitably provided with 
conveyances. The Meeting House was pretty well filled, 
and the occasion was a favored one, very soon gathering 
into a solemnity under which Richard Esterbrook spoke, 
and in the course of it alluded to how we were favored 



Age 54 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 209 

with the presence of the Lord, and closed his communi- 
cation with speaking of the marriage supper of the Lamb. 
Joseph and Sarah spoke as if they had a sense of what 
they were undertaking, and could be heard. The certifi- 
cate was then signed and read, after which Elizabeth R. 
Evans commenced her communication with "Be ye one 
another's helpers in the Lord," and spoke of the need 
the Church had for laborers. Clarkson Sheppard spoke 
of the Lord's covenant being with the night as with the 
day, and he revived the language, "As the eagle stirreth 
up her nest and rluttereth over her young, beareth them 
on her wings, so the Lord did lead His people, and there 
was no strange God amongst them." Deborah Rhoads 
was engaged in prayer that had a baptizing, solemnizing 
influence, a feeling of unusual weight ensuing, under a 
sense of which the meeting separated. At the house of 
entertainment we had a very pleasant time, a season of 
real enjoyment. 

Sixth month 22. My son Joseph and his wife returned 
to the city last evening, from Wernersville, and were at 
meeting to-day; it was very pleasant to have them with 
us, and I feel there is cause for thankfulness in that our 
little band is strengthened by this marriage. 

At a Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, held Eighth 
month 28, 1884: 

Our beloved friend, Joseph S. Elkinton, informed this Meeting 
that, being under appointment of the Committee of the Yearly 
Meeting to visit some of the Seneca Indians under the care of 
that Meeting, he had felt that it might now be right to hold a 



210 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1884 

few public metings in southwestern New York, a concern which 
he had felt for some years. The prospect claiming our deliberate 
consideration, sympathy and unity with him were expressed, and 
he was set at liberty to perform the service as best wisdom may 
open the way, he being a minister in unity with us. 

A copy of this minute is directed to be furnished him and 
signed on our behalf. 

Taken from the minutes. 

George J. Scattergood, Clerk. 

Eighth month 29. Left Malvern on the 7.14 train for 
Frazer, where I was joined by our friend, George J. 
Scattergood. We then proceeded on our journey to New 
York State to visit the Indians under the care of our 
Committee, and also to hold a few public meetings in the 
southwestern part of the state. It was a pleasant day, 
and we enjoyed the scenery. 

Eighth month 30. On our arrival at Warren, called 
on Judge Johnson in regard to the leasing of their lands 
by the Indians to the whites. He said the offers made 
to the Indians were so insufficient that he had discour- 
aged the Indians, who had conferred with him, from 
making any leases without submitting them to his judg- 
ment. He said they should be drawn by a proper person. 
There had been an oil well opened up a few miles from 
Warren, towards Cornplanter's, that was said to yield 
one hundred barrels an hour. 

As we were about to leave Warren to go up to the 
reservation, we met four men at the station who had 
been trying to raise money to build a new Meeting House 
at Cornplanter by holding concerts. I had some con- 



Age 54 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 211 

versation with two of them as to whether it would not 
be better to raise money for such purposes by direct 
contributions, or to wait until they could spare from the 
fruit of their own labor. 

Enjoyed the ride up the Allegheny river from Warren, 
which was new ground and scenery to me. Through 
courtesy, the train was stopped for us at Johnny Cake 
station, opposite the reservation. We proceeded to 
Cynthia Gordon's home, where we had a good dinner, 
after which we went to the school house, where the 
company gathered was not large, but we availed our- 
selves of the opportunity afforded to set forth the object 
of our visit and to give the views of our Committee in 
reference to the inexpediency of their leasing their lands 
for oil purposes. Amongst the evils of such a course 
was the introduction of a loose character of people, whose 
influence would be exceedingly injurious to the morals 
of their people, and they would be likely never to regain 
possession of their lands. We had an exercising but 
interesting opportunity and were heard with attention. 
Some reply was made by which it appeared that what 
we had laid before them had been kindly received. Susan 
O. Bail, a daughter-in-law of Chief Cornplanter, who is 
now about ninety years old, and one of the ancient type 
of Indians, appeared quite roused in her spirit. She said 
the Quakers had always been the friends of the Indians, 
and she was glad we had come out, and she would have 
her grandchildren mind what had been said. We had 



212 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1884 

reason to believe that two who had leased their land 
to the whites were sorry. We pleaded with them not to 
let go their hold on their possessions, both for their own 
sakes and that of their children. We received a hearty 
welcome and found no sickness at the institution at 
Tunesassa. 

Eighth month 31. First-day afternoon Aaron P. 
Dewees went with me to see the Indians, who were 
engaged in playing ball. I saw as active a scene of ball 
playing as I had ever before witnessed. Aaron said if 
they would only work as they were then playing, he 
would get the reservation under tillage before long. 
About forty men and boys were engaged in the play, 
and about seven squads of women and babies were ob- 
served on the outskirts of the field. Most of the men 
were dressed up about as fantastic as Indians might be 
expected to dress themselves. One man's trousers seemed 
to be made on one side of red flannel and the other side 
yellow flannel, and a big square patch behind. Some had 
one stocking of one color and the other stocking of 
another color, and some no stockings at all, and each 
with a paddle of network with which he could catch 
and sling a ball a great distance, and there was much 
striving to get the ball or knock the paddle from one 
another, accompanied by a trip and perhaps a complete 
somersault. This with feathers and caps, old hats, etc., 
made the scene picturesque. But it was not my errand, 
exactly, to simply see the show. So I first had a talk with 



Age 54 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 213 

one of the councillors, and told him instead of employ- 
ing the First-day of the week in that way, I wanted that 
day used for better account. Next I asked him who was 
head man in the place. Being referred to Simon Black- 
chief, I went to him and asked for a hearing from all the 
players. So the sound went forth in Indian fashion, and 
they gathered round me, when I relieved my mind, taking 
the opportunity to state how that some of these men had 
been induced to go with parties as play actors and had 
gotten into trouble. I did not know it then, but was 
afterward told that Simon Blackchief, the boss, had sev- 
eral times gone off as an actor. Having been given a 
respectful hearing, we withdrew and returned in time 
for tea. 

I do not know that it is any worse for Indians to in- 
dulge in their games on First-day afternoons than for 
the college students to indulge in their theatrical per- 
formances; both are to be deplored. 

Ninth month I. After breakfast Aaron P. Dewees 
and I went in a buggy to Onoville to see about getting 
an appointed meeting. It was eight miles, and when we 
came to a place having the reputation of being a hard 
place, a good deal of drinking, etc., we drove round and 
spied a dilapidated looking man with a bandage over his 
eye and his nose and face badly swollen, but being drawn 
to him, I addressed him and found the poor creature in 
a good deal of trouble, having a daughter lying at the 
point of death. He was much affected on account of it. 



214 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1884 

He said, "This is a hard place, and I have seen many hard 
things in my time and not very old either, but we must 
think of our end some time." I asked him if he thought 
the people of the place would meet with a stranger. He 
said, "We are most all Catholics, but they would meet you 
in the school house." 

We made arrangements for an appointed meeting on 
Sixth-day evening. I could not find a boat to take me 
across the river, so Aaron had to drive me across with 
his colt. It had never gone through the river before and 
the question was, how would it behave? Aaron was a 
little anxious, but I told him if he kept that colt he 
would expect it to go through some time and it might as 
well begin now. On the other side of the river I joined 
George J. Scattergood, and with Cynthia Gordon as inter- 
preter, when necessary, we proceeded to visit some of 
the natives in their homes, returning to Tunesassa in the 
evening. 

Ninth month 2. Attended the funeral of Jefferson 
Halftown, about thirty-five years of age, and who had 
died of consumption. He had embraced the Christian 
religion and was sincere in his profession. The com- 
pany gathered in slowly, Indian fashion, until it became 
a pretty large funeral— the women sitting on one side 
and the men on the other, about filling the seats, while 
there were squads of men lying outside on the grass. 
One old man did some smoking, and some who sat near 
me I judge had done some before they came there. 



Age 54 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 215 

After their service I had an opportunity to express my- 
self and pleaded with them to strive to do better in im- 
proving the condition of their people. The council house 
is new and the women made a genteel appearance. 

In the afternoon the Indians assembled again at the 
council house and the agent arrived about 3 o'clock to 
enter upon the annuity business. The storekeeper also 
came with his clerk with accounts against the Indians for 
goods purchased on trust during the year. After some 
preliminaries, getting tables, seats and fixing the money, 
which was spread out, the people gathered round and 
operations began. It was announced there had been one 
hundred and fifteen deaths and one hundred and one 
births during the year. The names of the families and 
individuals and their ages were called and received their 
respective annuities. The amount paid was about $4.05 
to adults and half that to the children. After witnessing 
the operations within doors, I went out to ease my limbs 
a little, for the benches in the council house are not after 
the most approved fashion. An Indian was killed on the 
railroad yesterday. We may attend the funeral. 

Ninth month J. We are again at the council house. 
There are present about thirty women, a few babies and 
forty men inside and as many more on the outside. One 
great big man has been smoking and about smoked 
G. J. S. out of doors, and if it continues I will have to 
go before long. The agent and his assistants are busy 
and the storekeeper is taking in his money. So it goes. 



216 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1884 

I had to go out into the fresh air. I told George J. 
Scattergood that the shade under a tree looked inviting, 
and I believed I would take a nap, for there was a fune- 
ral to attend directly. He suggested I might do the most 
service by napping it near the beer wagon that was on 
the grounds, about which George was concerned both 
yesterday and to-day. I thought the best way would be 
for us to ask the agent to clear out the peddlers of all 
kinds. But one thing was evident — while G. J. S. stood 
around and I lay under the shade of a tree against a 
stump where the beer wagon was, there was not much 
drinking. G. J. S., however, was under concern and 
tried to get an interpreter, but no one wanted to under- 
take it. The recess being announced for the agent and 
his assistants, out came Chester Lay, a good square- 
hearted Indian, and he was persuaded to interpret, and 
George delivered what I suppose some would call a 
gospel temperance sermon. He told them there was no 
use in spending their money for liquor when they 
could get good spring water nearby for nothing. The 
Indians gathered around us and the peddlers showed no 
resentment. "When the sermon was ended," like the 
fishes we read of in St. Anthony's sermon, "they all 
turned and descended," most likely all preferring their 
own way. We now thought it time to go over to the 
funeral of Charley Bigkettle, who was killed on the 
railroad. 

Ninth month 4. Fifth-day. Attended meeting at the 



Age 54 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 217 

school. We expect to hold appointed meetings in Go- 
wanda and Dunkirk on First-day afternoon and Second- 
day evening; and we shall hardly feel easy not to stop 
on the Cattaraugus Reservation and meet some of them 
in council before returning home. 

Ninth month 16. At a stated meeting of the Indian 
Committee, the report of the committee appointed to 
visit the Indians at Cornpianter's and other such service 
as might seem in place was read and was satisfactory. 

Tenth month 50. In the business portion of our 
Monthly Meeting I opened my concern by stating that 
some years ago I had mentioned a prospect for religious 
service among the colored people of this city, for which 
at that time the meeting hardly felt prepared to liberate 
me, but I was now encouraged to revive it. I felt that 
time was passing, and that I had the physical ability, 
and whilst it would be a relief to get from under the 
concern, yet I would rather it would remain as it was 
than to engage in it without the the meeting was satisfied ; 
but I felt it right to hold myself open to visit that people 
in and around this city in their meeting houses, institu- 
tions and in their homes to a limited extent, which I sub- 
mitted to the meeting. After a time of silence there was 
a pretty general expression of encouragement to proceed 
in the matter and a minute was accordingly made. Jona- 
than E. Rhoads expressed a willingness to join in the 
proposed visit amongst the colored people and was 



218 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1884 

granted a minute, liberating him for the service, by his 
Monthly Meeting. 

We commenced our service among the colored people 
by holding a meeting at the Home for the Aged and 
Infirm on Forty- fourth street, above Lancaster avenue, 
which was held to satisfaction on Eleventh month 6, 
1884. 

Eleventh month 18. The long rough rides to the out- 
lying graveyards need to be looked into. If better means 
could be provided, it would be a great relief, for it is 
severe in cold weather. If a meeting house, economically 
constructed, could be built on the part of the burying 
ground lately purchased by our Monthly Meeting and 
suitable conveyances thereto from the railway stations 
so that the funerals might meet in the meeting house it 
would be a great advantage. 

Eleventh month 2J. J. Bevan Braithwaite dined with 
us and was interesting in conversation. He asked for a 
religious opportunity after the close of the meal, and we 
retired into the sitting-room. He certainly was in a 
kindly spirit and, in addressing us, brought out some 
beautiful passages from Isaiah. "Behold I will lay thy 
foundations with sapphire, thy windows with agates, 
thy gates with carbuncles, and all thy corners with pleas- 
ant stones." "Thy children shall be all taught of Me 
and great shall be the peace of thy children." 

Third month 22, 1885. Attended the last of the public 
meetings in which Jonathan E. Rhoads and I have been 



Age 55 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 219 

engaged for the past four or five months, in the pursu- 
ance of which prospect we have abundant cause to com- 
memorate the goodness of the Lord in making way for 
us, as also in supporting us in our line of labor. 

Third month 26. Gave up my minute to the Monthly 
Meeting to-day, stating that having pursued the prospect 
for which I had been liberated in the Tenth month last, 
to the peace and comfort of my own mind, and having 
been joined by Jonathan E. Rhoads, we had visited the 
colored people in all their places of worship, so far as I 
knew of their whereabouts, as far north as Germantown 
and Frankford, and had many interesting religious oppor- 
tunities, not only in their meetings but also in some of 
their houses. 

Fourth month 27. This day I am fifty-five years of 
age and my wife forty-nine. Time is passing on, and 
as it has passed we have seen many vicissitudes and par- 
taken of many mercies. Whilst I have not been a strong 
man in any way, yet I trust I have had a little service in 
my day, and I hope for our children that they may be 
enabled to serve the Lord in their day and generation. 

Fifth month 3. Went with Hannah Stratton and her 
companion to the Eastern Penitentiary, and had a relig- 
ious opportunity in each of the corridors, eight in number. 
It was the usual custom for about eight preachers and 
their assistants to assemble at 9 A. M., First-day morn- 
ings, in the centre of the building and then be apportioned 
to the different corridors for about an hour, to engage 



220 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1885 

in their religious exercises, and then assemble in the 
centre to sing together before they dispersed. 

Extract from a letter by J. S. E., dated Fifth month 26, 
1885: 

It is not possible for us to be brought through great 
tribulations if we are not first brought into them. 

No temptation, however, has fallen unto us but what 
is common to man, but with every temptation there is 
a door of escape; and in your particular I would like it 
to be with as little damage to your vessels and with as 
little wounding of the body as will serve the purpose. 
Secret griefs are sometimes harder to bear than being 
engaged in the conflict, but they may be our cup to par- 
take of. Those of us who speak before the people occupy 
a position that makes it seem emphatically important to 
know of the holy composure and of a godly measure of 
the anointing that we may see clearly how to move, as 
well as how to lie on our oars. In times of commotion 
it is a great deal to know self to be silenced, and to 
arrive at the place of true prayer; and without that, 
where are we ? John Woolman said, "When the Church 
arrives at the place of true prayer, her habitation is 
safe."— J. S. E. 

Eighth month J. About 3.18 P. M. a cyclone, accom- 
panied by a torrent of rain, passed near us. A cloud 
appeared about the size of a square of ground, much 
below the other clouds, which were moving about as 
usual, but the cyclone was of very heavy color, almost 



Age 55 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 221 

black, shooting out arms, and then apparently gathering 
these in with gyrations and moving rapidly to the north- 
west, until it was apparently within a few hundred yards 
of our factory, and then moved eastward to the buildings 
of the Pennsylvania Salt Works, demolishing them, then 
striking across the Delaware river from Mifflin street, 
striking the steamboat Major Reybold, carrying away 
the captain and pilot, the latter being drowned, and strik- 
ing the roundhouse of the Pennsylvania railroad at Cam- 
den, passing up Third and Fourth streets, Camden, till 
it reached the river at Cooper's Point and across to Port 
Richmond, unroofing, it was thought, four hundred 
houses. 

Ninth month 22. Left Philadelphia by 3.45 train for 
Ohio, to see our son, Alfred, married. We had favorable 
weather for the trip. The changing foliage of the forest 
trees impressed me more than ever before. It being the 
first day I had ever worn glasses, the colors seemed to 
be brought out brighter. Arrived at Barnesville about 
9 P. M. 

Ninth month 23. At Monthly Meeting at Stillwater 
I was impressed with the size of the meeting, larger than 
I expected. In the second meeting son Alfred passed 
meeting with Abby Walton. I felt it, that his mother 
could not be with us. Sister Sarah J. Bedell walked with 
me into men's meeting. I asked the Monthly Meeting, 
on behalf of my son Alfred, for an appointed meeting 



222 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1885 

next day to accommodate those who wished to attend the 
marriage, which was granted. 

Ninth month 24. My son Alfred was this day married 
to Abby, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Walton, at 
Friends' Meeting in Barnesville, Belmont county, Ohio. 
The day was very fine, and perhaps one hundred were 
present who could not be seated. I felt thankful the 
meeting was held in the dignity it seemed to be. I was 
enabled to discharge my mind of an exercise I had for 
the people; and, after the marriage ceremony was per- 
formed, to intercede for the blessing from Him who 
alone knoweth the end from the beginning. Esther 
Fowler had a lively testimony, as also had Ruth S. 
Abbott. We had a nice company at the marriage recep- 
tion, and among them were Dr. Judkins and wife. Dr. 
Judkins was Alfred's physician whilst he was ill in Ohio 
the year before. The entertainment was conducted satis- 
factorily and the company seemed to enjoy themselves. 

While in Ohio I called at uncle Mahlon Patterson's, 
near Mt. Pleasant, which is a beautiful location. The 
first time I visited there was in 1856, when cousin Nathan 
P. Hall took my Malinda and me there a few days after 
our marriage to see Malinda's grandmother, Faith Patter- 
son, an Israelite indeed! She was about ninety-three 
years of age. We had at the time of our visit a sweet 
and precious opportunity, in which dear grandmother 
said to me, "I have heard of thee coming to see my grand- 



Age 55 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 223 

daughter, and now I see thee, I am satisfied." She passed 
on to her everlasting reward not very long after. 

Tenth month 2f. Attended the first meeting of the 
trustees of the Charles L. Willits Fund, left to dis- 
tribute reading matter, explanatory of the principles of 
Friends, among the people of color in the Southern 
States and in Liberia. 

Twelfth month 24. I opened a concern in the Monthly 
Meeting to visit in Gospel love, as way should open, the 
families of Upper Springfield Monthly Meeting, and to 
appoint a few public meetings within its limits, which, 
being freely united with, a minute was granted me. 

First month 1, 1886. My son William was this day 
admitted into the firm of Joseph S. & Thomas Elkinton. 
He has been a faithful and affectionate son and did a fair 
share in the part he has taken, both in the factory and 
office. 

First month 4. Called on William U. Ditzler, who told 
me of the death of a Presbyterian minister who occa- 
sionally came to Arch Street Meeting for the sake of the 
quiet he found there, in which he said he was often 
favored with openings that were useful to him. Speaking 
of our Society, he said to William U. Ditzler, "You are 
the leaven." He wished others would give more place to 
Divine Revelation. This minister also related to W. U. D. 
that on a certain occasion he had agreed to take the place 
of another preacher in his absence at Doylestown. He 
went to the meeting with a prepared sermon in his pocket, 



224 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1886 

but, after going into the pulpit, he seemed to be overtaken 
with blindness and inability to fasten his mind upon any- 
thing he had written. Whilst, however, his congregation 
was engaged in an exercise, he was sitting with his hands 
before his face, crying unto the Lord for mercy. As 
lightning, a passage of Scripture presented and when the 
congregation was through singing, he stood up and en- 
larged upon the passage. He said in all his ministry he 
had never experienced such feelings. After the meeting 
was over a stranger came to him saying, "God sent you 
here with that message." Two of his congregation told 
him his sermon was very appropriate. 

Second month 26. In our Monthly Meeting I gave up 
my minute granting me liberty to visit the families of 
Upper Springfield Monthly Meeting in New Jersey and 
appoint a few public meetings within its limits. I stated 
that I had prosecuted the service for which I had been 
liberated, as way opened, to the peace and comfort of 
my mind, and felt that I had cause for gratitude for the 
support and assistance afforded me. 

Received a telegram from Tunesassa informing me of 
the fire there, in which the house and school building 
were burned, but the family and children all escaped but 
with little clothing. After consulting a few friends, I 
started out with what clothing could be collected in so 
short a time and arrived at Salamanca about noon the 
next day. 

Second month 27. Arrived at Salamanca about noon 



Age 56 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 225 

and found Aaron P. Dewees in waiting, thermometer 
about zero and exceedingly windy, and I was glad that 
Aaron went from Tunesassa in the cars to save exposure 
to himself and me too. We came down in the afternoon 
train. 

It was pretty severe going across Salamanca, especially 
on the bridge, the wind being high, and it nearly froze 
my ear. I thought the distance so short that I had 
neglected to tie it up. 

We were met at Quaker Bridge Station by Aaron 
Dewees, Jr., but as we proceeded to Tunesassa, I missed 
the sight of the buildings that I had often taken such 
pleasure in viewing, but the attention being now turned to 
the tenant house with feelings of more interest than ever 
before, as it now sheltered the family who, having escaped 
the fire, gave me a greeting that manifested pleasure in 
seeing me ; but several showed by their countenance that 
they had experienced much, and after I heard them relate 
what they passed through on the night of the 24th, we 
might well be glad of their escaping the flames, and al- 
though but little property was saved from the dwelling 
and school house, yet under all the circumstances it is a 
wonder that the barns and outbuildings were saved. It 
was from the melted snow in puddles that their water 
was obtained to throw on the fire so as to stop it from 
consuming the outbuildings. 

A new oven had been lately introduced, the bottom of 
which was on some brickwork, that either had timber 



226 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1886 

under it or at side of it, that became heated so as to fire. 
It had been observed the day before that the oven was 
very hot, and the thoughts of some of the family had 
been on fire, or some heavy dispensation. 

The Indians who came to the fire not only assisted in 
saving the outbuildings, but showed marked kindness in 
endeavoring to provide for the children, bringing shawls, 
shoes, etc., to wrap them up in, and take them to their 
homes, and several invitations were given, both by the 
Indians and whites around, to the teachers and care- 
takers, but they preferred keeping together in the tenant 
house; they had seen so much they felt closely bound 
together. 

All the family seemed to be overdone. The shock was 
very great, but I trust all will come up in a few days. 
Eleven of us are quartered in the tenant house, which 
has three small chambers and a kitchen. 

It does not take much in speaking of the scenes of the 
night to bring tears to the eyes, and it has had the effect 
to bind the family together. Louisa Smith says she has 
never witnessed such an interest as the Indians now mani- 
fest. They came in to see and talk over the matter, and 
seem to feel that the destruction of the buildings is a 
great loss to them, and hope that the Quakers will build 
up again. Cynthia Gordon came up from Cornplanter's 
because she could not rest. All said the Indians at Corn- 
planter's were very much affected at the knowledge of 
the fire. 



Age 56 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 227 

The weather is so cold that but little can be done out 
of doors. I found I could stand but a limited time around 
the ruins. 

The family expressed themselves several times that 
they were glad I came, and Aaron wishes me to stay a 
few days to consult with him and to see the Indians, as 
there is considerable unsettlement and anxiety among the 
Indians in reference to the tenure of their lands, and the 
Indian Committee want more information as to what 
part they expect to take. 

Joseph Branson came in to see how Friends fared and 
brought some clothing. 

Aaron P. Dewees' condition is a matter of some solici- 
tude, as his lungs seem as if they might have been scalded, 
and then the strain on his mind has been great. He said 
some one asked him if he felt better or worse. "Oh," he 
said, "one thing and another kept coming up, to have 
nothing and no place to put that." 

He dwells on how he was being lost in the fire, and 
says there was a part of the time he cannot account for; 
however, there is a spirit of thankfulness with him. He 
told me as we lay in bed together that he had more than 
he asked for. In the time of the fire he vocally expressed, 
"Oh, Lord help us to save the children." 

I have received lessons of instruction, and I trust I am 
not out of place. There are so many missing things, and 
the family wants to consult on many things, and in their 
state it is not to be wondered at. 



228 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1886 

First-day. Fourteen of us met in the kitchen of this 
little house in a meeting capacity, the kitchen being the 
largest room in the house. It was a season of deep feel- 
ing, and I saw about as much in the line of shedding 
tears as at other times lately. 

I was a good deal in sympathy with the two girls who 
went from here on Fifth-day to Cornplanter's. Cynthia 
Gordon told me that they could not tell what was the 
matter with them for a long time, their hearts were so 
full. 

Robert Blacksnake, son of the late Owen Blacksnake, 
has been in since meeting, with whom I had some con- 
versation in reference to Indian affairs, and agreed with 
him to meet some of their head men at Cold Spring on 
my way to Gowanda. 

Fourth month 6. I am a lover of the Scriptures, and 
want others to be also. When passages therefrom are 
sealed upon our spirits in an instructive and comforting 
manner, let us strive to be possessed with the same spirit 
that the writers possessed who were so favored with the 
openings of Light that they saw those things which they 
recorded. 

Fourth month 29. Monthly Meeting at Arch Street. 
In our business meeting I stated to Friends that Elwood 
Dean being with us and having a prospect of attending 
some of our meetings, as he may feel the Divine support 
therein, also appointing some meetings outside of the 
Society, I felt it would most comport with my peace, with 



Age 56 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 229 

the consent of the meeting, to join him in the work he 
had in hand, whilst it was pursued in the limits of our 
Yearly Meeting. There was a general expression of unity 
and concurrence therewith, and a minute was granted me. 

Eighth month ij. At our afternoon meeting to-day 
there were some strangers, and I felt drawn to allude to 
that power which a man might possess in his place of 
worship, in his dwelling, in his workshop or by the way- 
side, whereby he might be instrumental in leavening the 
spirits of others and not necessarily depend upon what 
expression he might drop. I wanted all to seek for a 
measure to adorn our calling. The employer should deal 
justly and have the best interest of those under him at 
heart. The physician, nurse, lawyer, engineer or sea 
captain who had the cause or even the lives of others in 
his hands, had need to know the place of intercession and 
to be kept in the Lord's holy fear, which was not such a 
fear as prevented action in its time and season, but rather 
enabled to act efficiently. The lawyer, the magistrate, 
the judge should act according to the pleasure of the 
Lord ; and all the more in the offices of the Church should 
we seek to be imbued with that which is not of ourselves, 
but of Him who showeth mercy and does discipline and 
qualify his own office for the work. 

Tenth month 14. Went to Haddonfield to attend the 
marriage of my son William with Eleanor, daughter of 
Charles Rhoads. My Malinda went over yesterday and 
was kindly entertained at Sarah and Rebecca Nicholson's. 



230 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1886 

Probably five hundred were at meeting. We were favored 
with a sense of the Divine presence. I was drawn to 
intercede that as that occasion was chosen by our children 
to present themselves before the Lord and take each other 
for companions for life, and we would trust not to take 
only, but to give; and in the spirit the Apostle enjoined, 
when he said, "Husbands, love your wives as your own 
bodies, even as Christ loved the Church and gave himself 
for it," that the Lord might be pleased to honor us with 
a sense of his living presence, and own us in our offer- 
ings, whether openly expressed or in silent exercise for 
the arising of life. We could speak for our children as 
for those who had served and were serving us ; we might 
share of what we possessed, and endeavor to guard from 
hurtful influences, yet the power to preserve was from 
the Lord. We felt our impotence, and that we ourselves 
were but as the grass of the field, which flourisheth for a 
time and then vanisheth away, but thy word abideth 
forever, therefore we commend our children to thee and 
to the word of thy grace which is able to build them up 
and to give them an inheritance among those that are 
sanctified that they may be thine, fearing thee and keeping 
thy commandments, and think upon thy name. 

Elizabeth R. Evans spoke on the passage, "It is the 
blessing of the Lord which maketh truly rich, and to 
which no sorrow is added." Jonathan E. Rhoads deliv- 
ered a very satisfactory communication on the importance 
of the marriage covenant, it being the most important step 



Age 56 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 231 

in a man's life, not implying, however, that the great 
thing needful, giving place to the convictions of the Holy 
Spirit, was second to any other. Richard Esterbrook 
commenced his acceptable communication with: "It is 
not display or eloquence that is wanted in these assem- 
blies, but the power of the Lord." We had a supplication 
from Esther Roberts that was very appropriate. Our 
son Joseph spoke of those being favored with the reve- 
lation of Jesus Christ, who know something of the bap- 
tizing power of the Holy Spirit. 

There were over one hundred guests at the house of 
entertainment, and we had a very agreeable time. 

Elventh month 8. Our children had a large company, 
which was considered the home-coming of our son Wil- 
liam and his wife. Whatever may be the weakness of 
my children, it is not that they do not keep good company. 
It was with satisfaction that I could look over such a 
company as having grown up amongst us, and my heart 
was clothed with the feeling that craved the Divine bless- 
ing upon them. 

Eleventh month n. My Malinda was out at meeting 
to-day, when she heard the representatives of three gen- 
erations in the ministry. Mother Patterson bore testi- 
mony to the importance of waiting on the Lord. I fol- 
lowed, reviving the testimony of the Apostle that the 
same Jesus whom the Jews slew and hanged upon the 
tree did God exalt by his right hand to be a Prince and 
a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and remission of 



232 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1S86 

sins, and they were his witnesses, as also the Holy Ghost, 
which was given to them that believe. Son Joseph fol- 
lowed with a testimony that gave evidence to my mind 
that his heart was filled with a measure of Divine love. 

Eleventh month Jj. Rheumatism took a pretty sharp 
grip of my chest yesterday, enough to remind me that I 
had a fleshy part that was neither iron nor steel, and that 
I probably could not endure hardness as in days past; 
but if out on proper business, I judge there will be no 
occasion to complain of the bill of fare or a lack of ability 
to do what may be appointed. 

Eleventh month 2J. I informed the Monthly Meeting 
on the 26th that I was under appointment to present an 
address prepared by the Indian Committee to the Indians 
in council, as well as to visit the Indians at Tunesassa; 
but having been impressed for some years past that there 
was a breaking forth of Light in southwestern New York, 
I would open up a concern to hold some public meetings 
in that section, as also in Columbiana county, Ohio, and 
western Pennsylvania, which concern was united with 
and a minute granted me.* 

Twelfth month 30. At our meeting I returned the 
minute granted me last month, stating that I had pursued 
the concern as far as I felt required of me, and returned 
home with feelings of peace and quietness. I was con- 
firmed in the belief that was a time of visitation in south- 



*Seth Warrington, of Moorestown, New Jersey, accompanied 
me in this service. 



Age 56 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 233 

western New York state, and I appreciated the disposi- 
tion to assist me as well as the hospitality bestowed. 

The following is an incident once related to me by 
Alfred Cope: Alfred Cope had a man in his employ who 
seemed to keep very poor, and Alfred asked him how it 
was. His reply was that the priest had told him that his 
mother was in purgatory and to get her out he must pay 
him well, so this was why he was so poor. Alfred Cope 
induced him to get a statement or receipt from the priest 
of the amount of money that he had received, as his em- 
ployer was uneasy, knowing that he gave him good wages. 
The statement was obtained showing what the man had 
paid for the pious purpose of getting his mother out of 
purgatory. Alfred Cope asked the man if he knew that 
his mother was dead. The man said : "Oh, it must be so, 
for the priest said so !" Alfred Cope told him to write to 
Ireland, that if his mother were living, for her to come 
over to America and he would bear all her expenses. 
This the man did, and the mother came, and Alfred Cope 
gave her a position. But he took her with her son to 
the priest's house; and, leaving the mother outside, he 
went in with the man and spoke to the priest about the 
imposition of getting the money from the man, for his 
mother was living. The priest asserted she was dead. 
This A. C. denied, as he had taken steps to prove her 
identity, and told the man to go out and bring her in, and 
then told the priest if he did not refund all the money 
he would expose him and make him pay well for it. The 



234 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1886 

priest gave up the money. After a time the man seemed 
to be getting poor again, and A. C. asked him what was 
the matter now. He said the priest told him if he did 
not let him have that money again he would send him 
direct to hell when he died ; that there would be no pur- 
gatory for him. 



CHAPTER IX. 
Visit to Mennonite Community, etc. 

First month 18, 188/. Our son Joseph knocked at our 
room this morning, about six o'clock, and reported the 
birth of a little son, who has been named Joseph Pass- 
more Elkinton. 

Second month 5. The minute being brought up from 
our last meeting concerning my son Joseph, there was 
considerable expression confirming the judgment of the 
Monthly Meeting that a gift in the ministry had been 
conferred upon him. 

Joseph Walton spoke of the satisfaction it was to him 
to witness this movement, and he also said he thought it 
had been a loss to our Yearly Meeting not to acknowledge 
gifts timely, with which mother Patterson expressed her 
unity. A minute was made confirming the judgment of 
the Monthly Meeting and a copy was directed to be sent 
down to the Monthly Meeting and Preparative Meeting 
of Ministers and Elders, and my son now stands acknowl- 
edged as a Minister in the Society of Friends. May the 
Lord preserve him on the true foundation and imbue him 
with the hidden wisdom on which the ministry of the 
Apostle Paul was built that he may be a blessing to his 
generation. 

Second month 20. My friend and neighbor, H. O. Gib- 
bons, invited me in to see a brother of General Howard, 

235 



236 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1887 

who was at his house and who was a representative of 
the Peace Society. He told me that the horrors that he 
witnessed at the battle of Gettysburg had turned him into 
a peace man, and that he wished to encourage arbitration 
for nations. 

Second month 24, 188/. In the Monthly Meeting I 
informed Friends that with the liberty of this meeting 
and the hearts amongst whom my lot might be cast, to 
receive it, I felt it my place to hold myself open to appoint 
some public meetings within the limits of Bucks and Cain 
Quarterly Meetings, more particularly among the people 
called Mennonites, towards whom my thoughts had been 
turned through a course of years, accompanied with the 
feeling that it might be right for me to visit them. 
Friends granted me a minute that allowed the prosecu- 
tion of the concern. 

Third month 7. Left Doylestown this morning for 
Deep Run, to attend an appointed meeting with the 
Mennonites. Joseph Walton accompanied me, and we 
found a large assembly gathered and well settled. It was 
a touching sight to me, and I felt grateful at the response 
that was given to our proposal to meet them. 

The house was large, and it was arranged for the 
women to occupy the benches, which faced each other 
like in our Arch Street Meeting House, except there were 
more of them. There was an ante-room at one end of 
the house provided for the women, where it was their 
practice to lay aside their bonnets and come into the 



Age 57 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 237 

meeting with their caps on. There were bandboxes on 
shelves in the ante-room for their accommodation. They 
presented a neat, plain, simple appearance which im- 
pressed me, and in all my travels I have not met with 
any that seemed more like Friends. They have a testi- 
many against war, oaths, hireling ministry, and will not 
go to law with each other ; indeed, in this particular they 
are an example for our own members. They believe in 
the sacraments, but do not encourage the preparation of 
sermons. I went amongst them with no other watchword 
than "Follow me." The language of the Saviour was 
forcibly brought to my view, "Other sheep I have which 
are not of this fold; them also I must bring, that there 
may be one fold and one shepherd." There were several 
ministers who sat in line with us on the bench facing the 
assembly, and we had not only tender but weighty feel- 
ings. I thought it was an unusually favored meeting; to 
the Lord be praise ! 

We were kindly greeted by the people after meeting 
and invited to dine at John Gross', one of their ministers 
— a solid, worthy man — where he had an exceedingly in- 
teresting visit. We were informed of their practice and 
discipline, also manner of choosing their ministers and 
bishop by lot. When a congregation desires a minister 
they apply to the conference. The conference allowing 
the appointment, it goes back to the congregation, when 
in a business meeting, liberty is given for any one to be 
named that is on the mind of a member, and those named 



238 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1887 

are considered candidates. There are taken as many 
books as there are candidates, and in each book is placed 
a slip of paper, all blanks excepting one, on which is 
written, 'The lot is cast into the lap, but the deciding 
thereof is with the Lord." The books are then mixed 
together; secret prayer on the part of the congregation 
is then called for that the Lord would guide the hand. 
The candidates then go, each taking a book, and the one 
taking the book containing the written slip of paper is 
considered appointed, and the bishop is expected to ordain 
him. The bishops are chosen by lot from amongst the 
ministers. I had felt in the early morning something of 
the overshadowing sense of Heavenly Goodness, which 
was precious to me. They took considerable interest in 
planning meetings for us, and said they would consult 
with other neighborhoods. 

Third month n. We went in the afternoon to Isaac 
Overholzer's. He has been their bishop for a long time, 
but now unable to go out of his house. The theme of 
his conversation was concerning his Lord Jesus Christ, 
who seemed to be his ''All in All." At the tea table, after 
the silence at the close of the meal, he spoke impressively, 
and hoped the Almighty God would bless and prosper 
the work we had undertaken, with more that showed his 
unity and also gave evidence of his having a part in the 
work and a fellowship with those whom he believed to 
be in the Truth. He expressed satisfaction with our 



Age 57 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 239 

visit. His personal appearance reminded me much of 
Christopher Healy. 

Third month ij. We had a comfortable, satisfactory 
meeting at Arch Street, where I saw for the first time 
my son Joseph in the gallery, he having been invited to 
take his seat there during my absence. 

Fourth month 26. From a letter to William P. Town- 
send from J. S. E. : 

I see the leaves putting forth and the grass in the square 
is freshening up as if we were really to have spring. 
The sight of the leaves in spring is always a welcome 
one to me. It is lawful for us to enjoy the beauties 
of creation as we are given capacity so to do, and whether 
we are in sound bodily health, or have been touched in 
some way or other, the contemplation of the works and 
of the omnipotence of the great Creator is not to be 
denied us, and all the changes but quicken in the sense 
that this is the time granted to work the pleasure of Him 
for whose pleasure all things are and were created. 

Sixth month I. From a letter to Margaret Lightfoot: 

We have had our providences and been among a very 
interesting people. The weather has been for the most 
part very favorable, and the gatherings have been large 
and apparently held to the satisfaction of the visited. We 
certainly have met with great openness and expression 
frequently made in the line of desiring that our labors 
should be blessed, for all which gratitude to our Heavenly 
Father should be felt.— J. S. E. 



240 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1888 

Seventh month jo. Joseph Walton and 1 visited most 
of the meetings of the Mennonites in Lancaster county, 
and were well received, and witnessed seasons of the 
extendings of Heavenly goodness, for which gratitude 
should be felt to the Author of all good. 

Oh ! that we might, through the few remaining days 
that may be allotted us on earth, know the Lord to be 
with us in the way we go, giving us bread to eat and 
raiment to put on in a spiritual as well as temporal sense ; 
that when our day's work shall be done we may lay down 
our heads in peace, and be prepared to join with those 
who are singing the song of the redeemed. 

Ninth month 8. At Arch Street Meeting there was a 
precious feeling I thought remarkable during the silence 
of the meeting, which was broken by my son Joseph in 
a short testimony, followed by an appearance in suppli- 
cation by his father. 

Second month 6, 1888. At our Quarterly Meeting, 
when the Queries were being discussed, my son Joseph, 
in his testimony, brought out a good deal of history to 
the effect that there had been those in the different gen- 
erations, from the days of the disciples to the present 
time, who adhered to these principles, and in our day 
Friends were by no means alone, but others would almost 
put us to shame as regards consistency. 

I wanted Friends who live near meeting houses to do 
what they could to open their doors to those who live 
on the outskirts, that they might be accommodated when 



Age 58 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 241 

they come to our meetings, and that we should keep alive 
a concern to visit our members in their homes. 

Extract from a letter to Amos Herr from J. S. E. : 
Philadelphia, Third month 8, 1888. 

Dear Friend: I am far from thinking that thou and 
the Society to which thou belongs lay your salvation 
merely on the observance of the ordinances, as they are 
called; and in the whole paragraph which thou wrote, 
quoting the words of the Apostle Peter and enlarging 
thereon, I do not see a word that I would wish to change. 
I believe we are in one spirit. I could only add that in 
the living experience that any one, coming to have the 
answer of a good conscience toward God by the resur- 
rection of Jesus, arrives at, he does know of being washed 
in the water of regeneration, and those who sit at the 
table of the Lord do feed upon the bread of life, even 
upon Him who said, "I am the bread of life," and they 
drink the wine of the kingdom. This is eating the bread 
and drinking the blood of the Son of Alan whereby we 
may come to have life in Him. I have no doubt in my 
mind but they who love the appearing of the Lord Jesus 
have a crown in store, and what they do in sincerity in 
their endeavors to serve him by keeping his command- 
ments He will regard ; but as it was designed that in 
Christ should be fulfilled those things which were de- 
signed to prepare for the coming of Christ, we must 
suppose compassion will be extended to us as we hold to 
or leave that which aforetime was ordained. 



242 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1888 

Luther was a favored man, and was undoubtedly bap- 
tized and prepared for a great work ; and yet as he took 
up arms against some who also knew of the Truth, we 
must think he did not come to the fulness of Light 
which was reserved for some who came later. I prize 
the remembrance of seasons when traveling in Lancaster 
county last year, when the overshadowing of heavenly 
goodness overspread us and we could feel that we were 
children of one common Father, who loved us and sent 
his son Jesus Christ to bless us, not only by turning us 
from our iniquities, but also to comfort our hearts and 
refresh us so that we could feel that even in this state 
of being the language was to be held forth, "Where I am 
there shall my servant be." Now whatsoever we do, let 
is be done as unto the Lord, that whether we eat, or 
whether we drink, it shall be done as unto the Lord, and 
the Lord direct our hearts unto the love of God and the 
patient waiting for Christ. . . . 

Extracted from a letter from J. S. E., dated Third 
month 13, 1888: 

. . . In the occupancy of our respective trusts or 
responsibilities we need the Divine support, and at times 
it seems appalling, what there is to be met, but we have 
been and will continue to be made partakers of the Lord's 
mercies if we keep the faith. 

Fourth month 23. In our Yearly Meeting, on Third- 
day, whilst the Queries were under consideration, Charles 
Rhoads alluded to the temptations to extend business and 



Age 58 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 243 

to depart from strict integrity, which I supplemented 
with the sentiment that employers should have a righteous 
concern for the spiritual welfare of those in their employ, 
giving them what privileges they can, and that they should 
have a place in their prayers. 

Fifth month 24. At a meeting at Arch Street son 
Joseph took up a passage in regard to the strangers who 
should be joined to us, who kept the covenant of the 
Lord, that they should be joined to the inheritance which 
the Lord had in store for his people. These were they 
who did not profane the Sabbath of the Lord. Joseph 
seemed to have an understanding, and was permitted to 
open out with a good degree of clearness as to the 
nature of the true Sabbath; and that as in the outward, 
so in the spiritual, there was need of keeping the Sabbath 
and resting from works. He also took up the parable of 
the Apostle regarding the grafting of the wild olive 
branch and except that faithfulness was maintained, it 
would be cut off. He handled this with some ability. 
I cannot but believe my son has a part in the work and 
has his openings. 

Sixth month 8. I received information that William 
B. Morgan, now stationed at Earlham college, would 
be willing to have a set of the volumes of "The Friend" 
for Earlham college. They are erecting a new building. 
It was stated that the set I had sent to Oskaloosa, to be 
placed in the college there, had been appreciated. I 
sent a set to Earlham and received the following reply: 



244 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1888 

Earlham, Indiana, Sixth month 6, 1888. 
Joseph S. Elkinton, 

Dear Friend: I learn that the books have now 
reached our freight office at Richmond. We are now 
expecting to transfer the College Library during the 
vacation, which begins shortly, to the rooms prepared 
in the new building. The boxes are not to be opened 
until the shelves are ready for them. I am directed by 
the authorities to convey to thee their thanks for the 
same. I had occasion, in the preparation of a lecture 
on Indian matters a few weeks ago, to look up some 
references to Cherokee history, and I found from the 
few volumes of 'The Friend," to which I had access, 
more valuable accounts than from any other source. 
The editors have always been so careful to secure the 
facts and to discard mere conjecture that I apprehend 
"The Friend'' for the last sixty years will prove a most 
valuable book of reference for that period. 
Thy sincere friend, 

William B. Morgan. 

Sixth month 13. Went to Twelfth Street, and was 
engaged to address those young in years, more particu- 
larly the school children; to encourage them to mind 
their day of their visitation, and as they were thus con- 
cerned to do, no doubt the promise of the Lord would be 
extended to them as to Jacob, when he was favored with 
a vision; and the Lord spake unto him saying, "Behold 
I am with thee, and will preserve thee;" and not only 



Age 58 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 245 

their own welfare, but their influence in the community 
would be greatly affected by their being favored with a 
measure of Divine Grace, which enables men to act well 
in this life. 

Extract from a letter by J. S. E., dated Sixth month, 
1888: 

Children who thus honor their parents will not fail in 
receiving a blessing from Him who promised that "their 
days should be long in the land which He would give 
them."' I think it is called the first commandment with 
promise. I have been richly paid for what I did in 
helping my father to carry out his religious concerns. 
Before I was of age there were several occasions when 
my father was away for a considerable time that the 
weight of business cares fell on me. Now I reap the 
reward in having children who can and do release me 
when I am away, as I have been perhaps one-third of 
my time in the past twenty years. I have reasonable 
hope that when my time comes to lay down the armor 
that it will be taken up by those who are to come after 
me ; one of my children having given acceptance, and has 
been acknowledged by his friends as a minister. To 
have him on one side of me and his grandmother Pat- 
terson on the other in our meetings for worship is a 
comfort, the latter having been a minister about fifty 
years. It is a precious thing when the hearts of parents 
and children are bound together in the bundle of life, 



246 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1888 

supporting the hands of each other and craving the 
Divine blessing. 

Extracted from a letter dated Seventh month 28, 1888 : 

Thou referred to my giving up the Third Street house. 
I thought it best to lighten my cares, but I miss that 
house. There were seasons of favor witnessed there 
that I expect will not be forgotten by me whilst memory 
lasts, but there does seem a limit as to what we can carry. 

A letter to Samuel J. Randall (at one time Speaker 
of the House of Representatives of the United States 
Congress) from J. S. E., dated Eighth month 29, 1888: 
Samuel J. Randall, 

Respected Friend: The little time I spent in thy sick 
room served but to increase the affectionate regard I had 
for thee, not merely, I trust, because of the kindness 
thou hadst shown when in an influential position, but 
now that thou art sick and aside from the world and 
its bustle, in a condition, unless too much reduced in 
strength, to give place to reflection, I desire for thee the 
overshadowing influences of the Holy Spirit; that when 
those things rise before thee that have the strongest 
hold upon thy feelings and in which the welfare of the 
country may be effected, thou wilt be allowed to experi- 
ence a quietude of mind. And if thou could be favored 
with a rest from all these concerns it would be what I 
would desire for thee; that all the more place could be 
given to those things which affect thy eternal interest 
in that world which is to come, for as thou expressed 



Age 58 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 247 

the belief that we did not end with this life, as also a 
belief in Christianity, so I would that the thoughts con- 
nected with these great subjects might be dwelt upon. 
The word Eternity is full of significance ; and Chris- 
tianity is that which rightly prepares us for it, for 
through it we experience repentance and remission of 
sins, as also a well-grounded hope of a blessed immor- 
tality. 

The first step in the great work is to know of the 
strivings of the Spirit in the soul, and then to see our- 
selves as we are seen by the Omniscient eye with the 
conviction that there is a way to obtain peace with our 
Maker through our Holy Redeemer. This is Christian- 
ity — the Father drawing through the Son and we through 
Him, obtaining Eternal Life. "This is life Eternal," said 
our Saviour, ''that they might know thee, the only true 
God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." And the 
same holy influences by which we may be prepared for a 
better inheritance when done with time here can qualify 
us for a faithful discharge of our duties, if life is con- 
tinued. Sincerely thy friend, 

J. S. E. 

Eighth month 8. Met with a young man who, in course 
of conversation, spoke of its being waste of time to 
attend to religion, and that the great men did not do it ; 
to which I replied that many who were considered great 
men had too little regard for it, but that it was the 



248 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1888 

only thing to make men truly great. I hope the invitation 
of Divine love and mercy may be extended to him. 

Eighth month 16. At a meeting at Arch Street I was 
bowed in supplication, desiring the compassionate regard 
of our Heavenly Father, who could give us of the Spirit 
of Grace to wrestle availingly for his blessing; that He 
would watch over us for good, and give us to experience, 
"that as our day is, so might our strength be." We have 
cause for thankfulness in that we have been preserved 
from dangers, seen and unseen, and that this blessing 
of preservation might be continued, and we made a bless- 
ing to our generation. I think this was the first time 
that I had been engaged in public service in my own 
meeting for three months. 

Tenth month 1. Attended the funeral of our dear 
friend George Abbott in the morning, and in the after- 
noon went to Crosswicks to attend the appointed meet- 
ing in the evening, with other members of the Yearly 
Meeting's Committee. About one hundred and twenty 
were present. Charles Rhoads delivered a remarkable 
communication, first enlarging on the first two sentences 
in what is called the Lord's Prayer, and then in bringing 
out points of Christian doctrine, and before he finished 
he spoke emphatically on the pernicious publications 
attacking the Bible and fraught with infidel principles. 

I followed after a pause, stating that I could speak as 
another witness to the influence of the spirit of infidelity, 
and I believed it was a time for the trumpet to be 



Age 58 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 249 

sounded. Others followed, both in line of the ministry 
and supplication. A friend remarked after meeting he 
was glad to hear me say it was a time to blow the 
trumpet. 

Tenth month n. We had a good meeting at Arch 
Street to-day, there being a pretty full attendance of the 
school. My son Joseph rose and spoke from the text, 
"A greater than Solomon is here," on which I thought 
he enlarged to good purpose and in the Life, alluding to 
those who repented at the preaching of Jonah; and the 
expression of the Queen of Sheba, who said the half had 
not been told her of the beauty of the Lord's house after 
she had seen the sitting of the King's servants, etc. I 
felt justified in following my son, indorsing what he 
said as being in keeping with the expression of the 
Psalmist, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, and 
that will I seek after, that I might see the beauty of the 
Lord and inquire in his pavilion. He shall set my feet 
upon a rock." I also adverted to the difference with 
which we at times went to meetings, sometimes having a 
sense that the Lord would be pleased to meet with us, 
and at other times having to wrestle for the blessing, 
brought to our knees, it might be, before meeting, craving 
that a measure of dignity and Divine influence might be 
granted, knowing that, without Holy help, we could do 
nothing to advance the Redeemer's Kingdom. 

Tenth month 20. Extract from a letter by J. S. E., 
dated Bethlehem, Pennsylvania : 



250 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1888 

I came to this place on a business trip for our firm, 
having taken up this week a matter that has given me 
some traveling that was not in a religious line. The 
beauty of the autumn scenery with the changing foliage, 
on the sides of the hills and mountains, and without the 
responsibility of meetings, is having quite a reviving 
effect on my spirit. 

Tenth month 28. This morning, instead of attending 
my own meeting I inclined to go to the Southwark Li- 
brary, 765-767 South Second street, over which were 
gathered about one hundred Norwegians, who assemble 
there for worship. They have no regular minister, but 
one by request addresses them, and all their vocal service 
is conducted in the Norwegian language. They expressed 
a willingness that our Yearly Meeting's Committee should 
hold a meeting there. A considerable proportion of them 
were sailors. 

Eleventh month 4. My dear wife went to meeting 
with me this morning. Mother Patterson was also there 
and spoke with clearness and force, her principal concern 
being that we should endeavor to stand acquitted in the 
great day of account. I followed her, stating that we 
should unquestionably all have to stand before the judg- 
ment seat of Christ, who would render to every man 
according as his work shall be ; to those who, by patient 
continuance in well doing, seek for eternal life, it should 
be given them. 



Age 58 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 251 

Extract from a letter by J. S. E., dated Philadelphia, 
Eleventh month 7, 1888 : 

I am not much acquainted with those who call them- 
selves the River Brethren, but suppose them to be closely 
allied to the Mennonites, amongst whom I have traveled 
to a limited extent and found them as near like the 
Society of Friends as any people I have met. On one 
occasion, after one of their ministers had spoken to some 
length in German, I followed, delivering the same in 
English, although I had no knowledge of what he had 
said, not being acquainted with the language. Last year 
I visited their meetings in two conferences. I think I 
attended about fifty meetings, with an average attendance 
of about three hundred. I felt my mind drawn to the 
River B rethren, but thought what I had undertaken 
among the Mennonites was enough for one journey. 

These vessels of ours are earthen, and there is a limit 
to our physical as well as spiritual strength. Whilst we 
do not serve a hard Master, yet our frames are frail, 
and it is good for us sometimes to go into a desert place 
and rest awhile. The disciples had to spend a time 
mending their nets, and my father, who was an experi- 
enced elder, would speak of this mending of the net as 
profitable employment. — J. S. E. 

Eleventh month. In our Quarterly Meeting one of 
our younger members appeared in supplication. I want 
that charity and forbearance should be exercised towards 
those who are young in the ministry. 



252 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1888 

Eleventh month 22. At Arch Street we had a pretty- 
large meeting. I felt there were divers states and con- 
ditions, and those of different capacity, from amongst 
whom I trusted there were not a few who came there 
to meet their Maker, who was able to minister to our 
several needs. My son Joseph, after a solid silence, 
brought up the language of the silversmith, about Diana, 
comparing Diana to the Goddess of Fashion, which, 
though not made of iron or stone, was nevertheless real 
and was too much worshipped. He dwelt particularly 
on the subject of simplicity of speech, behavior and 
apparel. I felt thankful to have a son who is disposed 
thus to advocate the cause of his Master. My mind 
reverted to the day when I took my seat after a com- 
munication that I had delivered, some years ago, when it 
seemed as if I were made sensible of a measure of the 
Spirit settling upon my son, accompanied with the belief 
that a part in the work would be given him; and now 
that I have lived to be confirmed in this matter, it is 
attended with feelings of solemnity ; that the promises of 
the Lord are sure, as also the solicitude I now feel for 
the extension of that power which can give or create, 
also preserve and keep from falling. 

Extract from a letter by J. S. E., dated Eleventh month 
26, 1888: 

I feel an appointment on the Yearly Meeting's Com- 
mittee as one of the most absorbing and important trusts 
that I have been engaged in, and during the last month 



Age 58 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 253 

or more we have held divers appointed meetings, as well 
as visited in some families, and I think I may say we 
have experienced divine counsel and support in the work. 

Extract from a letter by J. S. E., dated Twelfth month 
27, 1888: 

I have no regrets for the time spent, either in assisting 
others who were in the harness, or in whatever way 
I may have ministered to the necessities of the Saints. 
Would that I had but lived near the Master so as tc 
have been more sensible of his mind and will and been 
a better advocate of the blessed cause, but all I can 
hope for now is, that in the mercy of our Heavenly 
Father, my sins of omission and commission may be 
forgiven, and through Holy Help be enabled in the little 
remainder of days that may be granted me, to fill prop- 
erly my measure of service and of suffering. 

At a meeting of the joint committee of the Yearly and 
Quarterly Meetings appointed to visit our subordinate Meetings 
and members, held at Media the thirty-first of Twelfth month. 



Our friends, Joseph S. Elkinton and Zebedee Haines, having 
opened a concern to visit the families of Birmingham Monthly 
Meeting, it was fully and feelingly united with, and they encour- 
aged to proceed therein in the openings of best wisdom. Our 
friend, Joseph Rhoads, having expressed a willingness to accom- 
pany them, he is left at liberty and encouraged to do so. 
By direction of the Committee. 

Edward G. S medley, Clerk. 

First month 2, 1889. I went to West Chester, in com- 
pany with Zebedee Haines and Joseph Rhoads, to attend 
the Monthly Meeting. Our concern was opened in the 



254 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1839 

Monthly Meeting by presenting the minute granted us by 
the joint committee of the Yearly and Quarterly Meet- 
ings. There was full unity expressed in a kind and feeling 
manner. It is a cause for humble gratitude that the 
way is thus opened for us. 

First month 4. Left Philadelphia on the seven o'clock 
train, and was joined later by Joseph Rhoads and Zebedee 
Haines, and proceeded to West Chester, where we com- 
menced our visiting families, and before the day was 
over paid eight visits, meeting with an openness in the 
minds of those we visited, and had cause to commemorate 
the goodness of the Lord for the help afforded in the 
service. 

First month J and p. Spent the past three days con- 
tinuing visiting families in and around West Chester. 
An exercising and laborious service, but I trust not a 
profitless one; for where the presence of the Master is 
vouchsafed, it is all-sufficient, but I can think of no 
service where we have more need to keep near Him, for 
we hourly need his preserving and qualifying Power. 

First month 13. Zebedee Haines and I attended West 
Chester Meeting, in which I was engaged, both in sup- 
plication and testimony. I was concerned that we might 
not hold the Truth in unrighteousness, and that gifts 
should be recognized, and that none should pride them- 
selves in their gifts. 

First month 28. Attended the Monthly Meeting at 
Media, and dined at Clarkson Sheppard's. At the dinner 



Age 59 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 255 

table, after the first silence, C. S. said that the Jews 
said "he who did not return thanks stole from the Al- 
mighty." 

Second month i. Our granddaughter, Anna R. Elkin- 
ton, was born — the child of our son William and his wife. 

Second month 10. First-day. Our meeting at Orange 
Street seemed decidedly larger than usual, and a number 
of strangers present. My son Joseph spoke pretty early 
in the meeting, his subject being on "Returning to 
Bethel." I was in sympathy with his exercise. I com- 
menced speaking with, "Are there not those here to-day 
who were seldom if ever here before ? And what brought 
them ? Was it that the prayers of some should in meas- 
ure be answered, that if consistent with the Divine Will, 
there might be a gathering, and the meeting might be 
held in the Life? Or was it because the Spirit of the 
Lord was moving in the hearts of the people? As mat- 
ter, in the outer creation, attracts matter, so in the 
Spiritual creation there is that which draw T s together that 
which inclines to walk by the same rule, and mind the 
same thing, and to feed upon the same Spiritual Bread 
and drink the same Spiritual Drink. And if we come 
together, craving that the Lord would strengthen that 
part in us which reaches forth, after Him, we are then 
near the place of Worship." 

Second month 12. Attended the Quarterly Meeting 
at Media. I took up the last sentence of the one who 
spoke before me, "Come up to the help of the Lord 



256 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1889 

against the mighty," by saying, "If we would come up 
to the help of the Lord against the mighty," we should 
possess the right kind of faith, and I enlarged thereon. 
I also said "we might at times go to our meetings under 
a comfortable assurance that the Lord would favor us 
with his presence; and then we might go in great weak- 
ness, but we had better go with what we had to offer, if 
it were no more than our time and the disposition to 
contend against wandering thoughts." 

Second month 21. Monthly Meeting. Being released 
from the committee having charge of the almshouse 
property, also that to inspect and relieve the necessities 
of the poor, I stated that after being under such an 
appointment about thirty-five years, I took it kindly; 
that it was accepted as my share, and that I wished to 
encourage those now appointed to the weighty trust com- 
mitted to them. The proceeds of the property were for 
the support of the poor, and as there was likely now to 
be a sufficiency for them, I hoped they would be dealt 
with liberally. There are some cases in their present 
condition, from mismanagement, and the withdrawal of 
the Divine blessing, and it requires Heavenly wisdom to 
deal properly with them; and there are the Lord's poor, 
and I would that, with varied pressure on the mind, even 
men of business should not conclude they had not time 
to visit the poor. If I had my time to live over again 
I would spend more of it at the bedside of the sick. 

Third month 4. A wet day for the inauguration of 



Age 59 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 257 

Benjamin Harrison as President of the United States. 
It is reported, never have so many been in or about 
Washington. Amidst all the folly and noise, we have 
cause to be thankful that changes in our rulers can be 
effected as peaceably as they appear to be. 

A message to Elwood Dean, extracted from a letter 
by J. S. E., Third month 6, 1889: 

If it is suitable, tell thy dear husband I do love him, 
and having started on the race since he did, it is possible 
that I shall be left on the field a little longer, but I hope 
to press on in the little ability afforded, endeavoring to 
fill up my allotted portion, and with the humble petition, 
Lord give me life, the best life, the spirit by which we 
can move and act aright; and if consistent with his will, 
that I may have an increase of faith ; that as it was with 
those who have finished their course and obtained the 
victory, I might serve my generation according to the 
Divine will, and that the end of my conversation might 
be Christ Jesus, the same yesterday, to-day and forever. 
Dear mother Patterson is showing age, but she is pre- 
served in the sweetness and with a measure of the 
Divine power that enables her to bear the breaking up 
of Nature, which may be more or less prolonged; but 
contentment in the Divine will has been learned by her 
in the school of Christ. In sincerity, J. S. E. 

Fifth month 13. The evening previous to Concord 
Quarterly Meeting we had a very pleasant company at 
Benjamin Passmore's. In the course of the evening the 



258 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1889 

80th Psalm was read. Deborah Rhoads felt impressed 
with the favor we had in the overshadowing of the 
Heavenly Influence, and her heart, as well as some 
others, was enlarged toward some of the younger ones 
present. There was one time in the opportunity when 
I said in my heart, "This is a taste of Heaven." 

Fifth month 18. My son Joseph leaves to-day to start 
out with David Heston to visit within the limits of Muncy 
Monthly Meeting. May the Good Spirit be with him so 
that he may know and keep his place and move in the 
ordering of Best Wisdom. It is a comfort or joy to a 
parent to have a child to walk in the Truth, and we know 
there is a power which, if kept, will preserve. 



CHAPTER X. 
Gospel Labors Among White and Colored People. 

Tenth month 28. David Comfort and I left Philadel- 
phia at 8.50 A. M. for Tunesassa. 

Tenth month 29. On our arrival at the school we re- 
ceived a hearty welcome by the family. The children 
have not yet come in, and there is a prospect of a larger 
number than at any former period. Twenty-five girls 
and fifteen boys are expected. 

After dinner we were taken to the Council House at 
Cold Spring, where there was a meeting of the Six 
Nations being held. It was near 2 o'clock when we 
arrived, and they were about to proceed with an after- 
noon session. I was surprised there were so few I could 
recognize, Moses Yellowblanket being about the only one. 
After a little time they granted us an opportunity to 
address them. I spoke at some length, telling them I 
had felt impressed to meet the Indians in that place be- 
fore I left home and rehearsed a little of the intercourse 
which had existed between our fathers and their fathers, 
and delivered such matter as seemed to arise; afterward 
engaged in supplication. David Comfort told them he 
was glad to be with them, and spoke in an affectionate 
manner, giving them weighty counsel. They told our 
interpreter, Harrison Halftown, to tell us they thanked 
us for the visit and some of them, particularly the women, 

259 



260 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1889 

had been much affected by what was offered in the line 
of prayer. They had never felt before as they did that 
day, and the feeling remained with them throughout the 
day after we left. 

Tenth month 30. Spent the day visiting among the 
Indians. We found some sick and some in sorrow, and 
a few who had been our best scholars at the school were 
apparently thrifty and prosperous, which was encourag- 
ing. When we returned to the school the children had 
come in from their respective homes. I had an interest- 
ing talk with several of the boys in a room fitted up for 
their accommodation. 

Tenth month 31. We visited the school before meeting 
and heard the children read the Bible and recite. In the 
latter exercise one child surprised me by the amount she 
had committed to memory and the manner she delivered 
one of the deep chapters of Revelations. Our meeting 
was an impressive one. The afternoon was spent in the 
schools. We were especially interested in the exercises 
on the blackboards in mathematics and etymology. Good 
progress has been made. 

Eleventh month 1. After breakfast, David Comfort 
and I bid farewell at the school and turned our faces 
homeward. 

Eleventh month 4. At our Quarterly Meeting an un- 
usual number of ministers were present, I was told 
twenty-six acknowledged ministers, some of whom were 



Age 59 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 261 

members of the Yearly Meeting's Committee and some 
from a distance. 

Twelfth month 5. During the past several years I 
have copied from accessible papers matter concerning 
the Indians in the eastern part of the United States, 
mostly taken from the minutes of the Indian Committee, 
abstracting the points of importance and having them 
copied on uniform sized paper. I have had them bound 
in ten volumes. The original object in copying them 
was to have them in convenient shape for reference, 
hoping also that I might have a son to succeed me in 
the Indian work. But upon more mature consideration 
I concluded to present the volumes to the Indian Com- 
mittee. After recopying such parts as were obtained 
from other sources than the unpublished papers of the 
committee, I delivered eight volumes to George J. Scat- 
tergood, clerk of the Indian Committee. 

I have a concern to do what in me lies in the direction 
of setting my house in order, which in nowise hinders 
one from living, if the Lord is pleased to grant us a con- 
tinuance in this state of being a little longer. 

I remarked to G. J. S. that if my children behave in a 
worthy manner, I would wish them to be allowed access 
to the above volumes for reference, if they should desire. 

First month 2, 1890. I have continued my reading in 
George Fox's Doctrinal Works, to my instruction and 
admiration, as to how he was strengthened for the work 
of his day in addressing those in authority, even the 



262 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1890 

heads of government and the pope, to whom he was 
very plain. 

First month 6. Our dear friend Joseph Scattergood 
is no more, having departed this life yesterday afternoon 
— a great loss to the Church, and Israel may well mourn 
and doubtless will. He was valiant for the Truth upon 
the earth. 

A newspaper clipping which was preserved by J. S. E. : 

There has been a Conference sitting at Chickering 
Hall, which began on Monday evening, and continued 
during the next two days, in obedience to a call signed 
by many of the prominent clergymen and churchgoers 
in the city. The fact which has called them together 
is this : 

"The population of New York city has for years been 
steadily and rapidly increasing, while at the same time 
the number of churches has been relatively decreasing. 
In 1840 there was one Protestant church to every 2,000 
people ; in 1880, one to 3,000 ; in 1887, one to 4,000." 

Each one will interpret this fact in his own way. That 
it means something by no means pleasant or hopeful, 
however, every one will agree. The churches contain a 
very large proportion of the wealth, intelligence, public 
spirit and right-mindedness of the community. They are, 
if not the only, the chief organizations we have, whose 
direct aim is to exert, in the highest sense, a civilizing 
influence. If they are not multiplying in proportion to 



Age 60 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 263 

population, therefore, it means that the forces of bar- 
barism are in some degree gaining on us. 

It would appear from the call to the conference that 
the churches are at last beginning to understand that 
they have ceased, or are rapidly ceasing, to be a puri- 
fying and agressive power, and that something needs 
to be done about it; in other words, that if they mean 
to hold their own as moral and religious agencies, they 
must, once for all, cease to be what too many of the 
Protestant churches are — pleasant and fashionable Sun- 
day clubs, where wearied business men have their intel- 
lectual palates tickled once a week with good music, 
good society and soothing reflections on life, and death 
and judgment. 

Some of them have tried, with much outlay and labor, 
to do their duty towards the city poor and ignorant, 
by establishing missions and outlying chapels, and so 
forth, and some of the subjects set down for addresses 
at the conference seemed to indicate a conviction that 
what is needed is a further extension of this system of 
missionary effort. We may instance the following as 
being suggestive of such effort: "The Bohemian Ele- 
ment," "The Italian Element," "The Colored Element," 
"Our Duty to the Foreign Population." 

One of the things we hope for from the conference is 
a great clearing of both the clerical and lay mind on 
this subject. The poor and ignorant, and barbarous, and 
anarchical, and indifferent of this city, or of any other, 



264 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1890 

are not what they were fifty or one hundred years ago. 
They cannot be any longer won, or persuaded, or raised, 
by simple preaching, or even by almsgiving. They have 
become too knowing or too cunning for that. They are 
envious and suspicious of the rich and well-to-do, and 
they are tired of the old gospel of contentment when 
delivered by people who have all the comforts this world 
can give. Nothing touches them nowadays but the spec- 
tacle of self-sacrifice. Therefore no impression, or very 
little impression, can be made on them by churches 
which worship in fashionable quarters, on $100,000 lots 
in $500,000 buildings, in which sittings are bought and 
sold with a heavy brokerage to the sexton, at enormous 
prices, and reserved for occupation by the owner as jeal- 
ously as his private parlor, in which the music is hired at 
the cost of an opera troupe in a small German city, and 
discussed in the same temper and with the same standard 
that people apply to Patti or Nilsson. 

It is impossible to persuade a poor man that these are 
really religious organizations, and that they are really 
meant to show mankind the way to Heaven. Nor can 
they "corner" a poor man by asking him, as some church- 
goers do occasionally, how it would be possible to "run 
the church," human nature being what it is, without 
selling the pews at high rates, if not, as in some cases, 
to the highest bidders. He will not argue this point. He 
says it is for Christians to find out how to make room for 
him at God's altar, and he makes merry over spiritual 



Age 60 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 265 

insight which is unequal to the solution of this extremely 
earthly problem. 

In short, the attack on the "Bohemian Element," and 
the "Italian Element," and the "Colored Element," must 
begin in the churches themselves by the display of greater 
simplicity and of greater indifference to money, and by 
some approach, for at least one day in the week, to the 
asceticism which once conquered the world. 

Two or three Protestant churches have made a step 
in this direction, and we know of nothing in the religious 
worship of the city which is half so moving as the spec- 
tacle they present when crowded on Sunday with a plain 
and even shabbily dressed multitude, who truly know 
what that weight of care is 

"That crushes into dumb despair 
One half the human race." 

But the two or three which have turned over a new 
leaf work under great disadvantages as long as the 
majority, a few blocks away, continue to carry out the 
club idea; and pastor and people give Satan full swing 
during the hot summer months, when the poor swelter 
and their children perish in the tenement houses. There 
cannot be two standards of fitness in Christian life. If 
the free church be the real thing, there must, the poor 
man will say, be something wrong with its blessings and 
promises. In short, if religious organizations are to 
make any impression on the masses of ignorance and 
barbarism which are accumulating in New York, they 



266 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON iggi 

must work under a common discipline and with the same 
outward signs of sincerity and good faith. — Quoted with 
approval from The Nation. 

First month i, i8pl. Our daughter Mary and Inazo 
Nitobe were married this day. 

First month 12, 1891. This day our daughter left us for 
Japan. On parting with her, the only expression to 
which I could give utterance was, "Thou are my daugh- 
ter, and I love thee." 

Fifth month J. Went to Wilmington Monthly Meet- 
ing, and in the meeting for business after the minute was 
read liberating Jonathan E. Rhoads to appoint and attend 
meetings in Delaware and Maryland within the limits of 
our Yearly Meeting, I stated that I also had obtained a 
minute to accompany him, and desired we might have a 
place in their thoughts, for whilst the Divine support 
was what we were to depend upon, yet it was a help to 
have the sympathetic interest of our friends. 

The following letter was received from Abraham 
No-Heart, one of the Indian delegates who were at my 
house some weeks ago after having been at Washington : 

Cheyenne River Agency, April 18, 1891. 
Joseph S. Elkinton, 

My Friend: I will now say something to you, how 
we are doing. I will tell you something of which the 
Dakotas believe very much. We, the Indians, believe 
God's Word is on earth, and now for many years a 
number of the Indians have been turning themselves to 



Age 61 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 267 

the church of God ; and now about half of the people 
are thus prepared to walk in the Truth in the future, 
and we know that this is good for the people, therefore 
we desire to send and do send our children to get learn- 
ing that we may walk with them hereafter with glad 
hearts. The old notions of our people we no longer like, 
and I constantly hear our people talking of God's Word, 
etc., and their idea of its being alone good for them. 
More than half of the people dress as white men. I 
remember my coming with others to your house and 
your good words, and I wish all our people walked in 
the Truth. I shake hands with you from my heart. 

Abraham No-Heart. 
Fifth month 18. Jonathan E. Rhoads and I went to 
Dover and visited the prison. The first person we were 
brought face to face with was a man condemned to death, 
his sentence to be executed next month. It was a shock 
to be thus brought into contact with one in his circum- 
stances, but we endeavored to speak to him in the ability 
afforded and of the need of repentance and coming to 
be at peace with our Maker. We would desire the law 
might be changed which in Delaware has yet three dif- 
ferent offenses punishable with death. Whilst some 
advance has been made there is much room for improve- 
ment. Capital punishment, the whipping post and the 
heavy chains which still seem to be in use, belong to a 
barbarous age and should be discarded. We spoke to a 
number collected and playing cards, and to others in 



268 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1S91 

their private cells. It was sad and heavy work talking 
with these men, and we left the prison feeling much 
reduced in our physical strength. 

Fifth month 24. First-day morning, Harrington, Dela- 
ware. Remembering the pressing invitation received 
yesterday from the two pastors, J. C. Casey and John 
A. B. Wilson (presiding elder), to come and worship 
with them at their place of worship this morning, I said 
to J. E. R., I believed it was made in sincerity and I 
found he felt prepared to go there. I never went to a 
meeting for worship under the same circumstances, but 
when I witnessed the fervency and comprehensiveness 
with which J. E. R. was engaged in supplication, I 
thought we were in our right place. After the presiding 
elder, J. A. B. Wilson, finished his discourse, he gave us 
an opportunity to express ourselves. After the meeting 
he expressed himself as having been much impressed 
with what was offered, and gave us the following letter 
of introduction to show any Methodist minister in the 
Dover district, to help us in our travels: 

Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Wilmington Conference, Dover District. 

John A. B. Wilson, Presiding Elder. 

Fifth month 24, 1891. 
To any Methodist Episcopal Pastor in Dover District. 

Dear Brethren : This will introduce Jonathan E. Rhoads 
and Joseph S. Elkinton, ministers of the Society of Friends. 
You can safely and I think wisely extend to them the courtesy 
of your church and pulpit. They are not Presbyters, but min- 
isters of Christ, who feel that they have a message from God 



Age 61 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 269 

unto the people. They will do us good, not evil, wherever they 
come. They go forth on this mission at their own charge. Can 
you assist them in finding a quiet boarding place, enabling them 
to avoid the hotels where liquor is sold? 

"Beloved, thou doest faithfully by whatsoever thou doest to 
the brethren and strangers which have been witness of thy 
charity before the Church, whom if thou bring forward on their 
journey after a Godly sort, thou shalt do well, because that for 
His name's sake, they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles ; 
we therefore are to receive such that we might be fellow-helpers 
to the Truth."— 3 John 5-8. 

Your Brother, 

John A. B. Wilson. 
Sixth month 2. I went to Salisbury to make arrange- 
ments for holding a meeting in that place. I proceeded 
to the court house, which is the most pretentious structure 
of its kind I have seen since I left home, and inquired 
for the president of the county commissioners, but was 
told he had gone to dinner, but the whole board of com- 
missioners would be in session for about an hour. I 
returned later and found the president of the board 
seated with the other commissioners and an outside party, 
who seemed to be a man of note, who said, when I made 
known my errand, "You will excuse my freedom, but 
that man has a face that you had better let him have 
what he wants. I think he is a Quaker; and the Presby- 
terians are a good deal like the Quakers in one point, 
and that is, they get a good deal in the silent, secret and 
sacred moments." I remarked those sacred moments 
are of great account to us when we get them. The 



270 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1891 

"board" granted me the use of the court house for a 
meeting to be held on the Fifth-day evening. 

At our meeting last evening there were four minis- 
ters of other societies present, all of whom seemed much 
impressed and expressed their satisfaction. Quite a 
number came up to us after meeting to inquire into the 
views of Friends, notwithstanding J. E. R. at the close 
of the meeting expressed his desire, that if any had par- 
taken of any crumbs of Living Bread, that they would 
not enter into much conversation, but "gather up the 
fragments." 

Sixth month 4. Salisbury. As I was walking on the 
street this afternoon, after seeing that all necessary 
preparations had been made for our meeting this evening 
in the court house, I was accosted by the Episcopalian 
minister, who said he supposed I was one of the Friends, 
and he was very glad, he said, for us to come and try 
to do what we could, and he was willing to help us. 
Well, then, I said, if he could find some one who knew 
the people well to assist in properly seating them, that 
would be a help. "That I will," he said, "and I will 
bring my ushers and will be there myself a half hour 
before the time, that you can consult me about anything 
you wish, for you may be assured the court house will 
be full." 

It would now seem that about all that is wanting is 
for J. E. R. and myself to be rightly prostrated before 
the Lord, seeking to know his will and craving his help. 



Age 61 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 271 

Sixth month 5. It was a large meeting last evening, 
and the Episcopal minister, with his two ushers, were 
there and the people well seated. J. E. R. was very 
plain in the ministry, and while we were both speaking 
we had the attention of the people as if there were that 
being poured out that was different from that to which 
they had been accustomed. 

Sixth month 7. Princess Ann. Soon after breakfast 
we went to the jail, where we had an interesting inter- 
view with the deputy sheriff and his wife, after which 
we were given an opportunity with the prisoners, who 
were assembled in one room for us. I began by saying 
that there was a chord in every man's heart that might 
be touched or moved unless they had become so hardened 
as to be past all feeling; and after finishing what I had 
to say, J. E. R. spoke, but was interrupted by a strong, 
lusty man, who had a terrible passion for fighting, on 
which account he was in jail. He had indeed a fiery 
spirit. He called out, "If any man turns his nose up at 
me for being in prison, I'll knock him down !" For a 
moment the situation was a little critical, but I felt thank- 
ful J. E. R. held his own and w r as not particularly jostled. 
By the time J. E. R. was through, the man softened a 
little and said, "Well, you talk a little different from 
some of the preachers," and then, turning to one beside 
him, said, "What did that last preacher who was here 
say?" The one beside him answered, "The Depravity of 
the Human Heart," and the old fighter said, "and I 



272 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1891 

cleared him out in a hurry; now I just tell you if a man 
insults me I am going to thrash him." He then went on 
to say he was a Christian, but he would thrash anybody 
who insulted him. There was no use in being a coward. 
I replied, "There might be more bravery and fortitude in 
knowing how to bear an injury without resenting it, and 
if the Christian religion governs us, we will not resent." 
I felt a motion in the line of prayer, but thought it might 
be taking that man a little farther than he would bear, 
or giving the nail one stroke too many and the board 
be split, but J. E. R. engaged in it, first that the keeper of 
the prison might have Divine support and then on behalf 
of the prisoners, and that lusty fighter went upon his 
knees. We came off peaceably, taking the man by the 
hand; but to be locked up with such desperadoes does 
make us want to know what we are there for. 

From there we were taken to the county house, about 
three miles off, where we found several grave cases of 
illness and things generally, on account thereof, in poor 
condition, which we reported to the deputy sheriff on our 
return to Princess Ann, and he promised to send one of 
the county commissioners over there to investigate the 
state of things, which he did. 

Sixth month 8. At Crisfield we walked along the 
shore among the oyster-packing establishments, but not 
an oyster have I seen in the place, in the shell or out of 
it, it being out of season, but large piles of shells were 
in evidence. We were told that this is the greatest oyster 



Age 61 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 273 

packing place in the United States next to Baltimore, and 
there are seven hundred oyster vessels belonging to it. 
We went into one of the packing houses, where there 
was a woman packing up soft-shelled crabs for the 
Chicago market. She sent her son out with us in a little 
boat where these crabs were in the pens shedding their 
shells. It was an interesting sight. 

I had an interesting conversation with the man who 
was the tender of the drawbridge into the crab-pond and 
who hailed me, saying he wanted to know what subject I 
was going to illustrate to-night. Oh, I told him he knew 
about as much as I could tell him ; that we Friends never 
prepare our sermons, and I could not tell whether I would 
have any subject to speak on or not. I gave him what 
tracts I had with me, and he promised to distribute them 
after reading them himself. 

Sixth month 14. In traveling, we often have the in- 
firmities of flesh to contend with. The eating of so much 
pork does not suit us, but these things are not worthy 
of mention if we can only experience in a little measure 
the flowings of that Life which William Penn speaks of 
characterizing meetings held in his day, and in one of 
these described as being held in the Meeting-house at 
Third Haven, when there were one 'thousand persons 
present, in which Lord and Lady Baltimore came in late. 
William Penn said, "The flowing of Life was passing 
off the meeting," when Lady Baltimore expressed her 
disappointment, for she said to William Penn, "We ex- 



274 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1891 

pect you can preach, you have talent, but I wanted to 
hear some of the ploughmen preach," to which William 
Penn replied, "Some of the ploughmen and rustics are 
amongst our best preachers." 

Sixth month 25. Federalsburg. Upon our arrival here 
we found that the message sent by mail for an appoint- 
ment here this evening had not been received, so it gave 
us some concern. In an interview with the Presbyterian 
minister he kindly gave consent to our using his place of 
worship and, meeting the Methodist pastor on the street, 
he offered to do what he could to help us. We hastily 
filled out notices and had them distributed. The land- 
lady of the hotel told us it was a poor time for holding a 
meeting, for the ladies were all going to meet this evening 
to drill for the fourth of next month, but we thought 
it best to go on with our meeting. 

At the appointed time we repaired to the place where 
our meeting was to be held, and after a while the people 
began to come in, and it was astonishing how the house 
filled up. I heard afterward that the Methodist minister 
sent word to his congregation, who were to have a 
prayer-meeting, to postpone that and come to ours, and 
an aged Methodist, about seventy-five, went to where the 
women were assembled to drill and told them they had 
better drop that and go at once to the meeting we had 
appointed, and there was some other gathering induced 
to adjourn and come to ours; and it was thought we had 
a representative from every family in the place. J. E. R. 



Age 61 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 275 

acknowledged after meeting that he had never felt more 
freedom in the ministry, and his prayer was one in which 
any righteous person could take satisfaction. 

Seventh month 29. Returned home near noon. Had 
a friendly interview with our Mayor, Edwin Stuart. The 
drift of what I said to him was to encourage him to do 
what he could for the suppression of vice. He mani- 
fested a very kindly spirit, telling me that he would make 
way for a visit any time I wished to see him. 

Eighth month 16. Among the incidents told recently 
at the time of the funeral of Bishop Campbell (colored) 
was one of Theodore Gould, whom I have thought as 
deep a minister as any I have met among the colored 
people. At one time he (T. G.) was given to tampering 
with liquor. The bishop told him if he did not quit that 
the Lord would kill him; the Lord wanted him for the 
ministry. T. G. said, "I knew that before he told me." 
He gave up the liquor, and after being in the ministry 
awhile at Trenton, he became discouraged and felt he 
was useless, so he went to Bishop Campbell and told him 
to put a better man in his place and let him return to his 
former occupation. The bishop nodded his head while 
T. G. was talking as if he took it all in, and T. G. sup- 
posed he would assent to the proposition, but the bishop 
said, "Young man, I like to hear you speak that way, for 
most young ministers feel very competent, but when they 
feel their own insufficiency the Lord is likely to make 
something of them. You go and do your work, and the 



276 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1891 

Lord help you ; and if you come back with the same story 
I will send you back again. Only let me say to you, don't 
expect to do all your work at once." 

Eighth month 27. Monthly Meeting. In the second 
meeting I delivered up my minute granted me in the 
Fourth month and reported that, joined with Jonathan 
E. Rhoads, we had public meetings in that part of the 
peninsula that was embraced in the limits of our Yearly 
Meeting, and we had cause to be thankful for the manner 
in which way was made for us and the measure of Divine 
influence granted us; especially as the testimony was 
plain against unitarianism, and priestcraft, and J. E. R. 
was emphatically bold against war and the manufacture 
of instruments of cruelty. There were not many colored 
people at the public meetings, so we attended a number 
of their meetings and were kindly received. We had 
many interviews with ministers of other denominations. 
We also visited the jails and almshouses, some of which 
were conducted behind the intelligence of the age. In 
our intercourse and correspondence with those in author- 
ity or whom we thought might have an influence we 
pleaded for amelioration. 

There were but few living representatives of our 
Society in that section of the country, but, notwithstand- 
ing, there was a great regard felt for the Society of 
Friends, and I trust we left an open door behind us. 
The report was accepted and satisfaction expressed. 

Ninth month 3. This is the thirty-fifth anniversary 



Age 61 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 277 

of our wedding day, during which time we have seen 
many of the exercises of life, but have cause for thank- 
fulness that we are still spared to each other and have 
been recipients of many mercies. 

Tenth month 24. Had a comfortable time this evening 
with dear mother Patterson. She spoke of the tendency 
of the times to live too much without that watchfulness 
of spirit which should mark our lives, yet she believed 
there was a spirit at work which would restore the right 
feeling. Her remarks in general were very comforting 
to me. 

Tenth month 25. As our morning meeting gathered 
I was comforted, tendered and contrited, and I might 
say it had a soul-satisfying effect, to feel that same sense 
of Divine covering and power that was felt when I was 
in my rising manhood, say some forty years ago, was 
still to be felt in our assemblies. 

Twelfth month. I would wish to be less weighted in 
the evening of my day, not so much to be out of work, 
but that the mind may be more free for contemplation 
and religious service, if the Lord should be pleased to 
use me ; but communion with Him is what I would wish 
to have my delight in, so far as it is His pleasure to favor 
me therewith. 

First month 1, 1892. I went out about noon to-day and 
was grieved with the sight of multitudes in grotesque and 
fantastic dress. The sidewalks were crowded with spec- 
tators. How illy befitting the times, when so many are 



278 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1892 

prostrated with the epidemic (la grippe), also suffering 
the privation which poverty entails. For, as it is right- 
eousness that exalteth a nation, so sin is a reproach to 
any people; so we cannot but feel that the blessings of 
the Lord will, in a measure, be withheld because of 
unrighteousness ; still, we must believe that for the elect's 
sake, mercy will be extended, and that in the compas- 
sionate love of the Redeemer the manifestation of the 
Good Spirit will be given unto man, and we will hope 
there will be a turning of the hearts of some of the 
people unto the Lord. 

Copy of a letter from Jonathan E. Rhoads to Joseph 
S. Elkinton : 

Wilmington, First month 20, 1892. 
Joseph S. Elkinton, 

Dear Friend: I think our hearts must have been 
mutually turned towards each other at nearly the same 
time, as I had been thinking of thee, and almost wishing 
I could have a visit from thee this week. But now I have 
the next best thing — a loving and sympathizing letter. 

It truly makes me feel of very little account to be 
laid by, entirely dependent on others for care and subject 
to the direction of a doctor and nurse, however excellent 
they may be. But one can be helped to look at the other 
side of the situation and feel thankful for the unmerited 
favor of being provided for at such a time of weakness 
and liability to serious disease, realizing that, as in many 
instances within our knowledge its results have proved 



Age 62 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 279 

fatal; so with ourselves, a want of care and due submis- 
sion to restraints that are prescribed by those whose 
judgment demands respect, may prematurely cut the 
thread of life, ere the designs of a gracious Providence 
are fulfilled as to one's complete service in this world. 

In such times of seclusion from the active duties of 
life may indeed be found deep instruction in the knowl- 
edge that it is so important we should rightly learn; 
and a deeper insight may be given us into our true rela- 
tion to our Lord and Master, and by a full submission of 
our whole being to his disposal, learn to leave the 
direction of all events that concern us to Him, as well 
as the guidance of our efforts in the furtherance of his 
cause of Truth and Righteousness. 

Those of other persuasions have their organized 
methods and concerted plans for religious labor which 
often meet with much success. For us who profess in 
an eminent degree to rely upon Him who is Head over 
all to his Church, there is no safe plan to pursue, but to 
depend upon his going before us and leading in that 
way which He will cast up step by step for his dependent 
followers. 

As to my present state of health, while I have recov- 
ered so far as to be down stairs, it does not seem prudent 
to expose myself to this wintry weather; nor does my 
strength give promise of doing efficient labor. It has 
been a plain case of the prevailing distemper without 
violent symptoms, but accompanied with loss of strength. 



280 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1892 

So far as recovery has taken place, there has been no 
set-back, and I hope soon to resume my ordinary occu- 
pation. 

Thy superior energy and strength of purpose have 
carried thee through much unselfish toil for the good of 
others, and I have no doubt thy reward comes with it. 

It would be our natural desire in these times, when 
faithful laborers are few, that such as have been rightly 
prepared and proved might be continued long upon this 
stage of action. But he who calls laborers into his 
vineyard knows when to give them rest from their works, 
and they shall receive from Him according as these 
have been. 

Please remember me to Malinda. 

Thy loving friend, 

Jonathan E. Rhoads. 

Fifth month I. At noon I was taken by Joseph Turn- 
penny to the Pennsylvania Hospital, and saw about 
thirty-eight of those who had been burned in the fire at 
the Central Theatre. They were a ghastly sight, and the 
superintendent said that in the annals of the hospital, 
unless in time of war, there had never been such a 
scene; their sufferings, together with the horror of soul 
of some of them must feel, are indeed terrible to think of. 
This theatre was burned about 9 P. M. by the stage 
curtains catching fire and one hundred persons were 
seriously injured. It is the second time this theatre has 
been destroyed by fire and several killed. 



Age 62 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 281 

Fifth month n. Visited the hospital and saw the re- 
maining convalescent victims of the fire. Seven had 
died and ten had returned to their homes. 

Fifth month 16. Attended the funeral of one of the 
fire victims, previous to which I had some religious 
service with the widow and several others who were 
with her. I have attended two or three funerals and 
visited several families of these afflicted ones. The one 
buried to-day was one of the firemen who was assisting 
in saving life and putting out the fire. 

Fifth month if. Was allowed an opportunity to ad- 
dress the General Conference of the colored people, now 
in session in the "Bethel," Sixth street, below Pine, being 
taken in by Bishop D. A. Payne. 

I told them that I thought it would be well for them 
to have in any of their conferences twenty or more 
men appointed who could get together and receive 
accounts of the sufferings of their people and take such 
measures for relief as seemed best. Also encouraged 
them to preserve the history of their people, and a place 
and persons be appointed to keep their records. 

Fifth month 29. Arrived at Boston after a pleasant 
sea trip and took train to Newburyport, where I called 
upon Joseph and Gertrude Cartland, who insisted upon 
my remaining with them over night. After tea called 
on their neighbor Brown, whose daughter Nellie married 
a nephew of my Malinda's, George Patterson. The 
remainder of the evening was spent very pleasantly with 



282 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1S92 

the Cartlands, conversing on Society matters. After a 
chapter was read in the Bible I was shown to J. G. 
Whitier's chamber and slept in his bed. In one corner 
of the room was the desk on which he wrote his poems. 
In the centre of the room was a table and on it a Bible 
and a few books. There was a rocking chair of the same 
pattern as one that used to be in my father's sitting room. 
There was a sofa on one side of the room, which con- 
stituted the furniture, beside the bed and bureau. There 
were a few portraits and pictures hanging on the wall. 
John G. Whittier was at his summer residence at Ames- 
bury. He spends his winters here with his cousin, Ger- 
trude Cartland. All the poetic associations did not pre- 
vent me from a good night's sleep. 

Fifth month jo. Spent a half hour or more in sitting 
and reflecting in the poet's rocking chair before break- 
fast. After considerable interesting conversation with 
Joseph and Gertrude Cartland, I bid them farewell and 
took cars for Chelsea, where I visited Horace L. Hastings 
and wife in their home and had a very satisfactory call. 
H. L. H. showed me his library and private room, in 
which was a great collection of books. Also visited H. 
L. H.'s place of business in Boston before taking cars to 
Albany, and thence to Highlands. 

Fifth month 31. Crossed over the new bridge to Pough- 
keepsie and attended meeting, their Yearly Meeting being 
in session. It was announced that Joseph S. Elkinton 
was present, and I was asked to rise, which I did, and 



Age 62 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 283 

stated that I was not traveling with a minute, but, passing 
through the city, I took the liberty to come in among 
them. I was told to make myself at home. A report was 
read from the committee of the Union Springs Boarding 
School. The clerk spoke of the repairs that had been 
made and was still needed. It resulted in a subscription 
being taken in the meeting. After meeting I went to the 
clerk and told him the business I had on my mind was 
to ask him if he would accept a set of bound volumes 
of "The Friend," and if so, I would present them to the 
Union Springs Library, as he had asked for books as 
well as money. He said he would gladly accept them. 
I was kindly invited by a number to dine with them. 
Attended the afternoon session, and in the evening had 
an interesting interview (at his request) with the assist- 
ant clerk. 

Sixth month I. Spent the night at Charles Goudy's. 
Spent the day calling on several Friends and took train 
for home, arriving about 11 P. M. and found that our 
friend John S. Stokes was buried this morning. 

Eighth month II. Mercury 99°. Feeling a concern 
to speak to the superintendent of the Fourth and Eighth 
streets line of passenger railway about having the relay 
horses at the end of the road sheltered under a booth or 
tent, I went to the Fourth and Dauphin streets depot 
and had a very satisfactory interview with the president, 
who seemed to be concerned for the welfare of the horses 
and had relays of them at comparatively short distances. 



284 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1892 

Eighth month 13. A cablegram from Japan informs 
us: "A fire on the vessel; hull not much damaged; will 
sail on the fifteenth," which implies that the vessel on 
which our daughter sailed has been on fire. 

Eighth month 15. To-day we received the message, 
" 'Empress of Japan' put in at Hakodate ; some damage 
to cargo ; sails again on Monday, so no cause for alarm." 
I suppose we shall have letters in a few days that will 
explain the whole matter. 

Eighth month 26. Had a telegram announcing the 
safe arrival of our daughter at Vancouver. 

Ninth month 18. First-day. My son Joseph bore a 
clear testimony in our morning meeting to the more sure 
word of Prophecy, and in the afternoon meeting he in- 
terceded that, though very great trials might be per- 
mitted, that our spiritual lives might be preserved. 

Tenth month 2J. Son Joseph returned the minute 
granted him last month with a report of his movements, 
which was accepted and well received. His father has 
a feeling of quietness overspreading his mind, and secret 
desires for the preservation of his son. It is indeed a 
favor when a feeling of comfort settles on the retrospect 
of individual services or of acts of meetings. 

Eleventh month 24. In the second meeting of our 
Monthly Meeting I submitted to the judgment of the 
meeting a concern to join Joseph Walton in a religious 
visit to some parts of New York State, with a view of 
strengthening the hands of those who were attached to 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 285 

the principles of Friends, and I would ask liberty to 
appoint some meetings for worship, one of which would 
likely be at "Sing Sing/' A minute was granted me. 

First month 4, 1893. Word reached us early this 
morning that our little grandchild Rebecca passed away 
about 11.30 last evening. She was a precious child, and 
the matter comes very close to us. Her powers of per- 
ception were beyond her years. 

First month 6. The funeral company met at Ephraim 
Smith's, 1110 Pine street. The gathering was a solemn 
one. Samuel Emlen first broke the silence, speaking of 
the benefits of affliction to the survivors. 

John H. Dillingham spoke as if the little departed one 
had glorified its Creator in the little while it was on earth. 
Elizabeth R. Evans spoke from the text, "And their 
angels do behold the face of my Father who is in 
Heaven." Son Joseph uttered a short petition which 
seemed to breathe the spirit of resignation. Benjamin 
Vail uttered a feeling supplication. 

First month 16. While waiting at the railroad station 
engaged in conversation with a railroad magnate, who 
had a great deal to tell about railroads and about his 
explorations in Mexico. But he seemed to have a pretty 
poor opinion of preachers in general; that they were a 
deceitful set and full of intrigue, although he encouraged 
his children to go to some church, as he called it. I told 
him he must not judge the religious world by the incon- 
sistency or hypocrisy of some of its professors any more 



286 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

than to judge a community by the character of those who 
were in the state prison. He was very interesting, how- 
ever, in conversation, and seemed to possess general 
information about the Society of Friends in New York. 

First month 26. I returned my minute to our Monthly 
meeting, together with a report that was satisfactory to 
the meeting, stating that Joseph Walton accompanied me. 

Third month 24. Made a satisfactory call on Letitia 

Justice, who had lived in my father's family before my 

memory. Her faculties seemed to be clear and bright. 

She spoke in a feeling manner of the lasting impressions 

made on her mind by my father's communications in 

connection with his reading of the Scriptures at the 

breakfast table. It was not unusual for father to offer a 

little in this line after his reading at the breakfast table, 

which practice he kept up during his lifetime ; and the 

last thing he read was the Psalm containing the verse, 

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my 

heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and 

my redeemer." 

At a Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia held Fifth 
month 25, 1893, Joseph S. Elkinton opened in this meeting a con- 
cern which for sometime past and with increasing weight has im- 
pressed his mind to visit in Gospel love some portions of the 
New England States, to attend some meetings of those under 
our name and to appoint some public meetings, as ability may be 
afforded and best wisdom may direct. On deliberately weighing 
this important and serious undertaking, unity was felt with liber- 
ating him for the service ; a desire being also felt that he may 
attend closely to the line of duty which may in the leadings of 
the Head of the Church be pointed out, and that his preserving 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 287 

power may be experienced and yielded to until the required 
service be accomplished. Joseph S. Elkinton is a minister in 
unity with us. 

From the Minutes. 

Thomas Elkinton, Clerk. 

Our beloved Friend, Joseph S. Elkinton, attended this meeting 
with a certificate from the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Phila- 
delphia held Fifth month, 1893, liberating him to visit in Gospel 
love some portions of the New England States, to attend some of 
the meetings under our name and appoint some public meetings 
as ability may be afforded; and as best wisdom may direct, he 
being a minister in unity with them. 

His company and Gospel labors have been very encouraging 
and strengthening to us, and the clerk is directed to furnish him 
with a copy of this minute. 

Signed by direction and on behalf of the New England Yearly 
Meeting held at Westerly, R. I., by adjournments from the 12th 
of Sixth month to the 13th of the same, inclusive, 1893. 

John W. Foster, 
Mary A. Gardener, Clerks. 

We have at this time the company of our esteemed Friend, 
Joseph S. Elkinton, from Philadelphia — a minister with whom we 
have unity, who produced a certificate from the Monthly Meeting 
of Friends held at Philadelphia Fifth month 25, 1893, liberating 
him to visit in Gospel love some portions of the New England 
States, to attend some of the meetings of those under our name, 
and to appoint some public meetings as ability may be afforded 
and best wisdom may direct. 

His company and labor of love amongst us have been com- 
forting and encouraging. 

From the minutes of Sandwich Quarterly Meeting of Friends, 
held at North Dartmouth on the 6th of Seventh month, 1893. 

Job S. Gidley. 

Seventh month 12. In my travels yesterday I saw 
one place that reminded me of the story of the man who 
had built a great mansion and afterwards lost his mind 



288 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

and had to have an attendant. He liked to walk out to 
a certain hill and look down on his buildings, and one 
day he said to his caretaker, "What fool did build that 
thing?" 

Seventh month 2J. At Arch Street Monthly Meeting 
I gave up my minute granted me in the Fifth month 
with the three returning minutes from the Yearly Meet- 
ing of Ministers and Elders, and the Yearly Meeting held 
at Westerly, and the Quarterly Meeting at North Dart- 
mouth. These were read, and I stated that I had 
attended the Yearly Meeting at Westerly, and after that 
had meetings pretty much along the line of the railroad 
between Westerly and Portland, some appointed and 
some of the usual meetings, and was also along the line 
of railroad at Cape Cod, and was on the Island of Nan- 
tucket and at Newport. In the appointed meetings there 
was an open door. Joseph W r alton was with me part of 
the time, and after he left a Friend from North Dart- 
mouth took his place as companion, with the approbation 
of the elders there. In the course of the visit we were 
brought into connection with leading people under our 
name, some of whom were grounded in the Truth. But 
as we moved over the land we were sensible of great 
changes; large meeting-houses with so few to make use 
of them and the meetings in many places discontinued. I 
felt that not only there, but nearer home, if the rising 
generation wanted to share the blessings of belonging to 
a religious society and continue to be partakers of the 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 289 

benefits that had been purchased for us through the 
sufferings of our early Friends, they must be willing to 
give their strength to the work of their day in the inter- 
ests of the Society and in keeping with the cross of 
Christ. 

The exercises I had experienced were various and in 
some respects different from anything I had known 
before, but there was cause to commemorate the goodness 
of our Heavenly Father for the support that had been 
afforded. Joseph Walton added that he had considered 
it a privilege to take part in the service. 

Eighth month 12. A message was received to-day 
from Malvern that mother Patterson was very poorly 
and desired to see me. I accordingly went out and found 
that she had been taken increasingly ill and is now in 
a critical condition, but I had comfort in sitting by her 
side and her conversation was quite coherent, bespeaking 
a sense that her time on earth was drawing near a close. 

Eighth month 14. Going into mother's chamber this 
morning, I remarked to her that I felt it was not so 
much matter what our condition was, so that we had 
grace to help in time of need, and now, sitting by her 
side, I never felt that passage with more force and 
sweetness, "My grace is sufficient for thee, my strength 
is made perfect in weakness." And whilst she and I 
might have preached that text as applicable in a spiritual 
sense, in the fulness of Scripture language it did apply 
that his grace was sufficient, even in times of physical 



290 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

weakness. She broke forth in a beautiful strain, "The 
Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want," and went very 
much through the Psalm, enlarging particularly on the 
passage, "Goodness and mercy have followed me all the 
days of my life," saying she had been greatly favored 
with the society of spiritually-minded Friends and re- 
counted her mercies in other particulars. 

It did seem to me as sweet an evening song as I ever 
heard. To be in such a state and condition as mother 
seemed to be in, I felt was worth all the tribulation that 
was to be passed through in this life and it brings up the 
language, "Let me die the death of the righteous and 
let my last end be like his." 

On telling mother I was about to go with brother 
J. G. H. to the meeting of Ministers and Elders at 
Media, she responded, "My heart is with those who are 
endeavoring to fill their measure of service and of suf- 
fering, and who are pouring out their souls before the 
Lord, craving that He would enable them to do their 
day's work." 

At the meeting of Ministers and Elders, Clarkson 
Sheppard first spoke, saying he had never been more 
impressed with the language, "The Lord is my Shepherd, 
I shall not want," and went on speaking very sweetly, 
finishing with the same words that I had heard mother 
Patterson repeat.* 



*I afterward heard that Phoebe Roberts, who was ill, repeated 
the same Psalm that same morning. 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 291 

Eighth month 14. My Malinda returned from Budd's 
Lake and came on to Malvern to be with her mother. 

Eighth month 21. Mother's condition has been a sink- 
ing one, and supposed she was almost past recognizing 
us ; but as an evidence that she had a hold on that which 
was not to be taken from her, she broke forth in some 
very heavenly expressions. 

Eighth month 22. Our dear mother finished her course 
to-day. My wife told me of a number of sweet expres- 
sions mother uttered from time to time, even in her low 
estate. 

Eighth month 26. There was quite a gathering of the 
family before the funeral, in which there was a feeling 
of sweet solemnity. It was a very warm day, and few 
besides the relatives proceeded to the interment at 
Goshen. 

Eleventh month 23. This morning was a turning point 
with me in reference to opening a concern that had long 
been on my mind to move among the inhabitants of this 
city in gospel love and appoint public meetings. I had 
felt the present time to be a time of affliction, affecting 
many in different conditions of life, and if the meeting 
were clear in the matter I felt it might be my place at 
this time to stand resigned to the service. After an ex- 
pression of freedom on the part of both Men's and 
Women's Meetings a minute was prepared expressing 
their unity and encouragement. This is a weighty under- 



292 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON i 8 93 

taking, and I feel that it is one that needs to be entered 
into carefully. 

Eleventh month jo. Brother J. G. H. was liberated by 
his Monthly Meeting to accompany me in the service of 
holding meetings in this city. 

Twelfth month if. The appointed meeting at the 
Mariners' Bethel at 3 P. M. was very largely attended — 
it was thought eight hundred were present — the neigh- 
borhood where I spent the earlier part of my life being 
well represented. Notwithstanding the great change in 
character of inhabitants, yet a body of men remain, and 
I trust I left them the impression that I saluted them in 
the love of the Gospel, with earnest desires, that yielding 
to the visitations of the Most High, they might be enabled 
to serve their generation according to his will and their 
own peace. My heart did yearn for the preservation of 
this part of the city. 

Twelfth month 19. The appointed meeting at the 
Eastburn Mariners' Bethel was a satisfactory opportunity 
and also well attended by the seamen, a marked quiet 
prevailed. 



CHAPTER XL 

Relief Work ox Sea Islands.* 
Twelfth month 22. Left home for Beaufort, South 
Carolina, meeting William Evans at the Pennsylvania 
depot. It seemed we had struck the 12.10 train for 
Florida, and stating we wanted to get on the Charleston 
car, were told to take the two front cars on the train, 
but when comfortably seated therein were asked for our 
sleeping berth tickets. 

Ah ! I had thought it time enough to take that matter 
up when we got to Washington, not making allowance 
for the Florida-seekers to spend the holidays, and it did 
seem as if there were a good many people left yet deter- 
mined to spend money while they had it, and no doubt 
some of them were conscientious about it. We were 
soon told that we would have to take our chances about 
a sleeping berth, for, on looking over the pile of his 
papers, the sleeping-berth agent told us he could give us 



*In the autumn of 1893 the sympathy of many was enlisted on 
behalf of the sufferings of the negroes on the Sea Islands of 
South Carolina. Joseph S. Elkinton felt constrained to suspend 
his work under a minute of his Monthly Meeting and go to the 
scene of suffering. The following passage, extracted from a 
newspaper account preserved by J. S. E. will help to explain some 
things in the succeeding pages : 

The climate is perfect, very little labor produces good results. 
The Sea Islanders were a happy, contented, and comfortably 
fixed set of people. So it was at the going down of the sun on 

293 



294 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

a chair apiece to Washington for seventy-five cents each, 
or for seven dollars we could have an upper berth and a 
sofa in the drawing room, in which some women had a 
lower berth, and that was all that could be done in that 
line. William was decidedly of the opinion that a sleep- 
ing berth for the night would best suit his comfort, but 
on contemplating the situation we quietly resolved to 
give the porter twenty-five cents to help us back with our 
baggage into one of the regular passenger cars, so we 

the 27th day of August. When the sun rose next morning, hun- 
dreds of these cabins had been swept from the earth, with all 
they contained. Over thirty thousand of those people were home- 
less, foodless, without clothes and with no resources. Over eight 
hundred were dead (the figures from actual census). A hurri- 
cane, on its way from the Gulf of Mexico to the north, had 
swerved somewhat from the usual course of these storms; its 
centre, instead of following the gulf stream, had come in over the 
land and the great uprising of the surface of the sea, which 
always occurs at the calm centre of these storms, inundated our 
islands to depths varying from one to ten feet according to the 
height of the land. The average height of the tidal wave above 
high water being about seven feet, the surface of each island was 
a sea, and was driven by the tremendous force of the wind over 
a hundred miles per hour, as recorded at Charleston, north of us, 
and at Savannah south, into death-dealing waves. The houses, 
all built on posts two or four feet above ground, came down like 
card houses. Some collapsed and crushed their inmates on the 
spot; others went drifting off with men, women and children 
clinging to them, until, falling to pieces, they dropped their living 
freight into eternity. Some people escaped by seeking shelter 
amidst the branches of the giant pines and oaks ; a portion were 
so saved but others had found only death traps, for, yielding to 
the force of the wind, many were thrashed to death by the whip- 
ping of the branches, or knocked off into the raging sea below. 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 295 

migrated and got settled. After the train reached Wil- 
mington we got a seat together. 

At Richmond the people thinned out, and William and 
I each got a seat and arranged ourselves the best we 
could, and after twisting ourselves one way or another, 
Nature asserted its own right and we forgot all about 
the glorious sunset, and that it really was a very fine 
moonlight night, and by the dawn of the 23d inst., which 
is the date of this writing on the cars, we really felt 
refreshed. 

At Charleston we each got a cup of coffee, and the 
lunch box that aunt Mary had fixed up has served me 
excellently. 

At one stopping point five little pickaninnies, as W. E. 
called them, got up on the platform of the car and 
seemed all ready to start up a little dance and ask for 
nickels. I handed W. E. three of the little books called 
"The Sermon on the Mount" and two of the "Proverbs 
of Solomon," and told him to ask them if they could 
read. William smiled, but started off to deliver them. 
He reports that one of the boys said he could read, but 
seeming more anxious for money than literature, got a 
nickel out of him. 

Changing cars at Charleston, we got into one pretty 
well packed with not exactly all sorts of people, but a 
representation of the South who, as we indulged in our 
cup of coffee, got the advantage and filled the seats 
before our arrival. One valise was piled on the other 



296 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON is93 

inside of the door of entrance, which gave me a per- 
spective view, which, if it had been photographed, would 
probably have offered some amusement to 325 and 322 
Union street. Pretty close to me were three hunters with 
three pointer dogs of considerable size, which they had 
some difficulty in keeping in a crouched position under 
their limbs, as they could not get them under the seats. 

The men seemed to be of some standing, one of them 
being called Colonel, which I suppose gave him more of 
a pass with his company and dogs than he could reason- 
ably expect in the north on a passenger car. I got 
some points out of them in conversation, but when their 
dogs wanted more ease and freedom they were beaten 
so over the head, neck and shoulders with the whips 
which they had in their pockets that it destroyed all the 
satisfaction of talking with them. The southern blood 
of aristocracy was painfully apparent, and I was glad to 
get the first seat vacated at a stopping point. 

It was not long after leaving Charleston before we saw 
the effects of the storm, broken down trees showing that 
the prevailing wind had been from the southeast, 
although the conductor said the direction of the storm 
changed every few minutes; he was in it with eleven 
cars in charge; the boxes were overturned, but the 
coaches were not injured. 

We are traveling due west, and have a roundabout way 
on account of the indentations of the coast. We have 
just stopped at Green Pond, and such an emptying out 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 297 

of people, baggage and stuff; one colored woman with a 
tub and all descriptions of packages, says W. E. 

The stubble of last summer's rice fields, as also to a 
less degree of either corn or sugar cane, I cannot tell 
which is right, have been nipped bare by the cows. 

The difference of latitude is now shown by the pres- 
ence of flies in the cars which we could not see in the 
north at this time of the year, and the shaking of this 
car reminds us we are on a southern railroad. A very 
fine rice field with its little canal for drainage has come 
into view, and the moss on the trees looks nice. 

A number of huts have chimneys outside. I was told 
that the fashion in the south is to build the chimney first, 
and if it draws well, then build the house afterwards. 
We see a number of fires outside of the houses where 
it looks as if they might be cooking, but I have not seen 
any chimneys to the houses or near them, perhaps where 
chimneys have failed to draw even then they have built. 

The water in the swampy ground is generally free from 
discoloration about the roots of the trees. It is pictur- 
esque to see the slim teams of poor horses and flimsy 
wagons, and a woman on a poor horse working through 
a ford. A cow is to be seen ready to be harnessed to a 
little cart, but apparently the most effective team visible 
in the past half hour is an ox that is harnessed to a cart. 

Stopping at Yemassee station and letting the Savannah 
people go on their way, we again change and take the 
Central Georgia Railroad. Whilst waiting we observe 



298 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1393 

a considerable number of people, probably nine-tenths 
of them colored, and in the midst of them are some men 
with turkeys and chickens, which, like the stock in these 
parts, were not very large, but brought here to be disposed 
of. One man has one in his coat pocket with its feet 
sticking out, it probably having been smothered or abused 
in some other way so it has not survived. Viewing the 
mass of persons around us, one person states he is re- 
minded of what he heard a long time ago: "Some was 
black, and some was blacker, and some the color of chaw- 
tobacker" (tobacco). This expressive figure will not 
stand the test of refinement, yet my, oh ! what a scene 
amidst all the goods of all sorts tumbled about, the cars 
shifting on three tracks, the wagons of divers sort wait- 
ing for a crossing, some that had evidently been engaged 
hauling wood, which is used on the cars for fuel. Our 
little buggy with no top had three people stuffed in, and 
baggage behind the little buggy with the little horse. 
One patriarchal colored man with a white beard was 
mounted on a pretty fine-looking horse, about the best 
to be seen, probably belonging to some landowner; but 
the motley group of little mules, little wagons of all 
sorts looked as though time was not nearly so valuable 
as some of us from the north think it ought to be valued. 
We have gotten some information from a colored 
man, who says he wants to go to Beaufort, but alleges 
he will have to walk for want of money to pay his fare. 
His clothes and shoes are in keeping with what we have 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 299 

been told of the times, but as he really did not seem to 
know what he could do when he got there, he was paid 
twenty-five cents for helping us with our baggage and 
what information he gave us and left to do the best 
he could. 

Started on our way; supposed to be forty minutes 
behind time from Yemassee, passing by great rice fields 
on the one side and magnificent moss-covered trees on the 
other, and are having a sight not only of more habita- 
tions that appear as if they were the abode of the 
poverty-stricken, but have a sight of the wreck of what 
they call a washboat that had been used for washing out 
the earth from phosphate rock. One man sitting by me 
in the cars says the water at the time of the storm was 
nine and one-half feet in the yard of his house at Port 
Royal. On reaching a bridge over the swamps and chan- 
nel, we have had to go very slow for safety's sake. 

We arrived at Beaufort, and took carriage to Rachel 
C. Mather's establishment ; were received with a welcome 
and given a room for our accommodation. Before I 
could get properly washed and shaved we heard a knock 
at the door and was told if we were rested we might 
go down and hear the case of a man who was in a suffer- 
ing condition, having nine children. His relation of their 
condition was an affecting one. He was given some meat 
and half a peck of grits, also a few other things that he 
could carry. His story was that they were in a state of 
abject poverty, and he had come several miles to report. 



300 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

The next one that we heard was one who said that all 
that he had earned since the storm he had to pay for 
doctor's bills, his wife being sick from the exposure of 
the storm, and his son had a broken leg. David Delany 
lost a house and all that was in it, two head of cows, 
fifty head of chickens, hogs, etc., speaks as if they were 
nearly destitute of all ; they, however, got a shanty put 
up. Jack Robinson's story was like the others — a very 
affecting one. One Alary Ann Robinson gave us to 
understand she was the mother of fourteen children and 
wanted clothing. Her house was carried away by the 
storm. 

There were probably fifteen men on the porch, and as 
many women on another porch, who were waiting to be 
helped ; and we were told there had been more than one 
hundred there that day before we came, and that was no 
unusual number. Five barrels of clothing, besides pro- 
visions, had been distributed that day. 

The institution is under the care of the Women's Bap- 
tist Home Missionary Society of Boston, with Rachel C. 
Mather as the matron. It is a home for about twenty 
little girls who were taken up as destitute and cared for. 
Many of them are placed out in the north, and many 
have married and settled about the Islands and are doing 
well. There is a day school carried on, with an average 
attendance of about one hundred and twenty scholars and 
on the roll two hundred and fifteen. There are three 
teachers and two assistants. 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 301 

After we had dinner we went back to the porches and 
listened to the statements of the poor folks, after which 
I invited L. Gould (one of the teachers) to go with 
W. E. and myself to the depot, etc., and to see Clara 
Barton. On the way out we met George Caye, the town 
treasurer, whose wife was a Pennsylvania woman. We 
entered pretty freely into conversation with them and told 
them we had agreed to go to the meeting at Button Hill 
next morning, and George said he was willing to supple- 
ment Alfred Ramsey, who had agreed to come for us 
and take us to Button Hill. 

At the office of the Red Cross we were told that Clara 
Barton was very poorly with bronchitis and could not 
talk. Her representative, George Pullman, gave us con- 
siderable information concerning the doings of the Red 
Cross Association, whose district seemed to extend pretty 
much over the whole country from Charleston to Savan- 
nah or Georgetown, in which range 35.000 persons are 
said to be in want. The donations having been particu- 
larly given for the Sea Islands, they have been cramped 
or restricted in their operations, and speak of the prospect 
being a pretty desperate one for the coming three months, 
as the mischief done by the storm was so extended. They 
have bought grits by the carload, and have doled it out 
at the rate of a peck a week for a family of nine persons 
with one pound of pork, which was insufficient for sup- 
port, but assisted, leaving the deficiency to be made up by 
the exertions of those who could fish or get oysters. It 



302 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

was not every one who could have boats to fish or get 
oysters, there being a great scarcity of boats, many having 
been lost in the storm and great hindrance to business on 
that account. In some instances it seemed as if the boats 
and houses just exchanged places, the former being de- 
posited on the fields, and the house that did not get broken 
up first, started out to sea. 

The Red Cross has employed a good many men in 
clearing out debris, as also draining fields, giving rations 
to the workmen. I think I was told that 75,000 feet of 
lumber had been given to them to put up their houses, 
and they had bought timber at four dollars a thousand 
by the carload. They employed women to mend gar- 
ments before they were sent out, as also make up 
comfortables. These were also given rations. 

Sewing circles had been organized in different neigh- 
borhoods, as also committees ; the deacons of the religious 
societies, often being members thereof, were told to re- 
port the needs of the neighborhood, so that a systematic 
scheme seems to have been organized, and care taken to 
investigate. Their capacity, however, is limited; and yet 
with all the difficulties and impositions that may have 
been practiced, no question but that a great amount of 
relief has been afforded, and whilst much complaint has 
been made that many applicants have been sent empty 
away, it is in part to be accounted for by a rule having 
been passed that no supplies will be furnished from the 
office, but must go through the properly accredited parties 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 303 

appointed to take it to their homes. This involves con- 
siderable delay where persons are to be visited at a 
distance. 

At first parties came to demand supplies as a right, 
saying that the government had made appropriations and 
the goods were theirs (the applicants'). This brought out 
the response: "Not so; the government had not granted 
anything, and the goods were given to the Red Cross to 
be dispersed at its discretion." After this explanation 
the applicants had become more modest. 

Undergarments for cold weather were particularly 
called for, and as to comfortables, the person I was 
talking with said ten thousand of them might be judi- 
ciously appropriated, for it must be remembered that the 
salt water in the time of the flood had made very many 
unfit for use. On the whole, I came to the conclusion 
that there was a great deal to be said for the organized 
charity work, and yet individual attention and sympathy 
through conscientious persons who knew the actual con- 
ditions of the sufferers and had previous acquaintance 
with parties before their distress would be likely to prove 
the most effectual helpers, but the great point would be 
to know where these were located. 

Considerable information was given me concerning the 
miners for phosphate rock. Several companies engaged 
in this enterprise had lost one hundred thousand dollars ; 
their dredging machines had been broken up, and they 
had memorialized Legislature for a release for five years 



304 JOSEPH S. EEKINTON i 8 93 

on the royalty of one dollar a ton on the rock mines. 
The answer had been given that the state had given a 
rebate on the prospective royalty for seventy-five thou- 
sand dollars, which, if granted by the phosphate com- 
panies, the royalty would be waived for one year. A 
second proposition seemed to have gone up, and the 
Legislature, being supposed to be near its close, it was 
uncertain how it would result. 

I asked the question as to what the view of the Red 
Cross was with regard to appealing to Congress. The 
answer was that they did not want free rations to be 
issued, for that would pauperize and demoralize the 
people. The Red Cross had asked for fifty thousand 
dollars in their hands, to be distributed in a way desig- 
nated by them, and a strict account to be given. 

I could not divest, my mind of the thought that they 
were not altogether influenced by the best of motives in 
not leaving the matter of dispensing to the Government 
Commissioners to be appointed in the matter, and I also 
felt that the declining by Congress to grant the appro- 
priation might have been in part owing to a suspicion of 
being dictated to, and more perhaps because the silver 
bill and the tariff bill so wholly engrossed their attention 
that the members were little inclined to take up outside 
matters. There may be some foundation in what is 
reported hereaway that Southern Democrats thought, as 
did their representatives in Congress, that there were too 
many "niggers" and it would be well to let them die. 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 305 

But Congress may be in a better state to take up the 
subject now than when in special session. 

Called at the office of a grocer of the name of Water- 
house, whose store certainly looked as if there was 
considerable stock in it. He is reported to have lost 
some twelve or fifteen thousand dollars by the storm. 
He is also spoken of as being the proprietor of several 
tracts of land and being a pretty reasonable man to deal 
with. 

This land question of individuals holding large tracts, 
with an increasing population, is likely to be a grave 
problem. It is said that sales can be effected, but it not 
unfrequently happens to the colored people who purchase 
and get the payments half paid and, unable to raise the 
balance, that the land reverts to the former owner to the 
distress of a family, especially when the head of it has 
been removed by death. 

Returned to R. C. Mather's to a late tea, after which 
we had a very pleasant time in her parlor, when she gave 
us a history of her early life ; how she became interested 
in the cause of working for the freedmen, after having 
been a school teacher in Boston and commanding the 
highest salary then paid to a woman teacher. She thought 
as the men did so much for their country, the women 
ought to do their part. After the war her son had suc- 
ceeded in purchasing for her at low prices buildings at 
Hilton Head that had been used for the quartermaster's 



306 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

house, and magazine and barracks. They have been 
floated to this place and put upon this bluff. 

Looking towards the time when she must give up work, 
she had deeded the principal part of the building to the 
Women's Home Baptist Association in Boston, reserving 
the privilege of the home for herself during life. She 
gave us quite a relation of how the colored people flocked 
in during the war whilst the place was in the possession 
of the northern army. The many remaining accounts for 
the density of the colored population on this island. 

The land having been confiscated in the time of the 
war and the colored people so largely left in possession, 
it would seem as if they might have prospered, but they 
have their backsets. They were so isolated from the 
main land and so little they could do, other than farm 
comparatively poor soil or work in phosphate mines, when 
they are in operation, it is not much wonder if a good 
many should be unemployed. If a goodly number of 
them could but safely migrate to the main land and be 
properly located, it might be to their interest, but here 
they can, in great measure, have home rule, for colored 
people seem to be filling most of the offices, and the 
proportion of whites is very small; still there is enough 
of them to hold a good deal of land, which they have got 
hold of in some way, and it would be something of a 
problem to get the colored people properly started in 
business, etc. 

A very beautiful sunset and temperature pleasant. 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 307 

First day morning. Before starting out, R. C. M. gave 
an account of the last illness of her son Joseph, who died 
at the age of twenty-eight years after a short illness, yet 
not without leaving his mother a comfortable hope of his 
having gone to the better inheritance. 

Went to Beaufort with letters of introduction to three 
of the pastors of colored congregations, and to General 
Small, who united with a proposition to have a meeting 
with the people in one of the meeting houses for colored 
people at eleven o'clock on the morrow. 

General Small is one of the most remarkable colored 
men of the south, is the collector of the port, and in 
consequence of his having conducted a government vessel 
out of the port in time of rebellion and surrendered it 
to the United States fleet, he has received a pension and 
is now enjoying the estate or residence of his former 
master. He and his mother were born on that property. 

Two of the ministers called on seemed to have a lively 
remembrance of the visit of David Heston and Joseph 
Walton, who had meetings hereaway. One of them 
graduated at Lincoln University. His name is Bamfield. 
One of the others is Blythewood and the other Arthur 
Waddell. The latter is seventy-four years of age; has, 
if I understand it rightly, been pastor over the congre- 
gation in whose house the meeting was appointed, for 
thirty years. He said the experience of the great storm 
had proved too much for his nerves, and he felt his 
powers giving away. 



308 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON i 8 Q3 

Blythewood told me of some very affecting incidents 
of the storm and flood, men witnessing the loss of mem- 
bers of their families, and very great sufferings of those 
who were appealing to him in great distress. 

After getting the arrangements properly made for the 
meeting on the morrow, we proceeded with Alfred Ram- 
sey to Button Hill over a pretty sandy road. The settle- 
ment there appears to have been on a tract of some eight 
hundred acres, which a man by the name of Appleton, of 
New York, owns and is selling out in ten-acre lots to the 
colored people, Alfred Ramsey being the agent. Water 
in some places in that neighborhood had been nine feet 
deep, and great was the destruction of crops and build- 
ings. 

The meeting house had been turned over and partially 
demolished, but they had set it up again with props. No 
windows in as yet, and but part of the roof on. The 
boards of the floor were loose, and the benches were 
primitive looking, but there we held our meeting, or at 
least we met there, the control of it being given to us 
until I said it was in their hands, having had an open 
door, and as not a few of them had been in deep water, 
it was a meeting of unusual depth of feeling, and I 
believe it was the general thought that we had been 
together for good. William Evans and myself gave 
them to understand that we were both impressed with 
the view that it was a season of Divine favor. 

After we were though, liberty was given them to open 



Age 03 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 309 

their minds to us, and they did in a feeling manner, 
speaking of the gratitude they felt because of our visiting 
them, and alluded to their great trial in being visited by 
the flood, attended with great loss of life and property; 
and yet we were impressed with the spirit of patience 
and apparent quietude with which they seemed to settle 
into an acceptance of the situation without murmuring. 

Several who attempted to tell of the awfulness of what 
they had gone through, would use the language, "Oh ! I 
can't tell you how it was, you couldn't understand it," 
and I could say, "I believe you, I believe you that it was 
awful." One intelligent man seemed to have been over- 
taxed and had paralysis, and not a few others showed 
by their countenances that care and anxiety had fur- 
rowed and wrinkled them, but it was something to us 
that we had met them. 

George Caye and his wife were at the meeting, and a 
pretty black half shepherd dog followed and took its 
position very near the centre of the meeting house, but 
was silent. G. Caye had something to offer in the latter 
part of the meeting, asking the people to report cases of 
imposition to Clara Barton or some other person. 

His wife told me she was hard of hearing, but under- 
stood what I offered in the meeting, and it was acceptable. 

Alfred Ramsey gave us dinner together with some 
visitors, and he brought me back to R. C. M.'s to tea. 



310 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

A man by the name of French volunteered to take 
William Evans in his buggy. 

On the way back we stopped at the dirt camp of Jupiter 
Dye, an aged colored man who had a hut, we might call 
it, made of stuff about twice the thickness of ordinary 
fence rails and perhaps a little longer, reared up against 
a ridge pole in the centre and sods packed up over the 
rails, with dirt thrown over. Under that sort of a shelter 
were two or three beds on the bare floor, where about 
five grown people and five children were to be housed. 
There was a little fire in front of the hut, around which 
the aged couple, a son and son-in-law, hovered and 
warmed themselves. The children seemed to be away 
for the time being. They were very poorly and barefoot. 
The furniture that was visible consisted of two old 
trunks, an old chest and a biscuit box. 

The old black grandmother gave, in her own way, a 
graphic relation of her story and experience of how they 
were nearly drowned, house and all taken away; and if 
that was not a case of destitution, I think we will need 
a new dictionary to tell us what we are to understand 
by it. 

In the evening we met with a company about half a 
mile from R. C. M.'s who did not seem to have been in 
quite as much distress as some others amongst them, and 
whilst I did not think it as favored a season as the morn- 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 311 

ing or noon meeting, yet what was offered to them was 
listened to with marked attention, and I trust the season 
was to profit. 

Second-day morning. The meeting to-day was a very 
satisfactory one. After I had stated the object of our 
coming, followed by William Evans, the door was open 
for any of them to tell us what they had to say. We 
heard their account of the impending trials of the next 
three months. Some of them told of their experience as 
to what they had witnessed, and their crying need seemed 
to be for more food and some warm clothing. 

General Small told us of the extraordinary exertion 
that was used immediately after the storm, and of the 
response from northern cities by which a boatload of 
provisions were sent within a week to the neighboring 
islands, and he spoke in terms of praise at what the Red 
Cross had done. 

Ellen Murray and her sister called on us, having heard 
of our arrival, and went with us to General Small's, and 
it was arranged for us to meet with those who would 
meet with us at Frogmore next Fourth-day, General 
Small agreeing to go with us in a government boat. On 
arrival at the residence of Ellen Murray and her sister 
we were given a hearty welcome, and after dinner spent 
a very pleasant evening. 

Twelfth month 28. After breakfast heard two appli- 



312 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

cations for help. One of them was a woman who lived 
alone, and when the water came to her home she said 
the waves beat her house and she tried to nail up her 
door, but it would not hold. She then tried to hold her 
back against it, but that she found would not hold, and 
she had to leave the house and had scarcely gotten from it 
before the house fell. She said the waves beat her against 
the house and then the rain licked her. She was in the 
water a long time and when she got to a little fire she 
tried to warm herself with her clothes on. From accounts 
some had their clothes on for two or three days. The old 
man had a touching tale as well. About forty called at 
the house for help during the day. 

About ten o'clock we started out to prospect and survey 
the country. As in other places, we saw where it had 
been deluged, many bodies having been taken from under 
the debris. 

The prayer of the poor old man comes before me, who 
prayed that after he "had chawed up all the hard bones 
and swallowed all the bitter pills, that he might go down 
to his watery grave in peace with a hope of Heaven 
beyond." 

In our drive we saw a number of small houses that 
had been erected on a small scale since the storm. One 
measured about twelve feet long and eight feet wide, 
another measured about nine feet square, the ceiling not 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 313 

six feet high. This was to accommodate three grown 
people and three children. 

We passed on our way the wreck of a mansion, once 
occupied by Dr. Jenkins, a prominent man amongst the 
secessionists, who had a plantation of considerable size. 
The mansion in its day was considered about the greatest 
establishment on the islands, and a rendezvous of gaiety 
and reveling. Now the house is a picture of desolation, 
reminding one of some of the passages in Scripture that 
told what would become of some of those places where 
God was not feared. 

We were told that at the time of the battle of Hilton 
Head the planters round about assembled on the porches 
of the Jenkins mansion, watching with a spyglass, but 
when the Confederate flag at Hilton Head was lowered 
and the United States flag ran up, they concluded it was 
time for them to evacuate the islands and make their 
escape to the main land. 

In one of the rooms of the mansion is quartered an old 
negro named Samson, said to be over one hundred years 
old, and his wife does not look much younger. Samson 
was an old butler, very polite. We had a nice talk with 
them. Both as yet have their faculties. 

Returned by a different route and made our way to 
the neighborhood of the hall where we had our meeting. 
Called on Dr. Peters in his office, which had been tem- 
porarily fixed up to accommodate his apothecary shop, 



314 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON i 8 93 

Dr. Peters being among those of whom the colored people 
say, "The waves they wash him, the waves they wash 
him." This rather implies that his house was washed 
away. When the waves or wind beat against a man or 
house, and he or the house stood, they say "licked" him 
or it. 

The doctor said there was a good deal of grippe in 
the country round about, although not in as a bad a form 
as two or three years ago, but oh ! if it is grippe at all in 
the tents or dirt cabins without fire, it will be grippe 
indeed with misery. 

The government sent out a sanitary department after 
the storm to take measures to avoid a pestilence, and 
assistance was rendered to have interment of dead bodies 
and carcasses, but some provision for the sick and infirm 
should be made. The court houses might be enlarged or 
improved. 

Dr. Peters is from Frankford, and somewhat ac- 
quainted with Frankford Friends. He has a brother 
who is a practicing physician in Jenkintown, which 
affords him eight thousand dollars a year, but there is 
no alarming symptoms of Dr. Peters getting rich off his 
practice on St. Helena Island yet a while! He told us 
of his exertions in making his way to Beaufort, he being 
about the first to get there, the roads, of course, being 
impassable for a horse. There was much climbing and 
wading, and there is still some difficulty in getting round 
amongst those he visits because of the fallen timber. 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 315 

We passed on to the residence of one of the name of 
McDonald, whose wife is a sister of Dr. Peters. I rather 
suppose she got out of bed to see us, as she had been laid 
by with the grippe, as well as her husband and child. 
McDonald is one of the firm of J. J. Dale & Co. 

Passed on to the receiving depot of J. J. Dale & Co., 
about three-quarters of a mile distance. There we saw 
G. J. Wilkins, another partner of the firm. He was very 
courteous and showed us over the storehouse, packing 
house, cotton gin and wharf property. We heard his 
relation of his experience the night of the storm, and 
his great sense of helplessness. One steamboat was run 
up and lodged against the trees in front of his house, 
and another is in a poor condition, high and dry up 
against their warehouse. 

G. J. Wilkins was very much concerned in regard to 
the effect the night of the storm would have on his wife, 
and he still feels the effect on his own system. It was 
some time after that night before he could speak to any 
one in a natural way. I suppose he felt, in addition to 
fear of personal safety, that the firm was ruined. 

There appeared about sixty women in the sorting room, 
who can make from forty to sixty cents a day ; these walk 
some three to six miles, and work about three days in 
the week, when another set of women is taken in for 
three days. Seventy-five women appeared to be the full 
complement. 

The machinery for taking out the seed and preparing 



316 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

the long staple cotton seemed elaborate to my unpracticed 
eye, but it brought out the product in a very pretty 
manner. I was told by G. J. Wilkins that they had put 
out in a year 2,200 bales of cotton, 600 pounds in each 
bale, but this year they only had about one-quarter of a 
crop. There had passed over their wharf property mer- 
chandize to the amount of two hundred and fifteen thou- 
sand dollars in a year. This year they had not only lost 
two or three of their stores with their contents, but the 
crop of the colored people having been so nearly de- 
stroyed it was impossible for them to pay the money that 
had been advanced to them, and it would be the old story 
that they would have to be advanced again, or to that 
import. 

Some amusing incidents occur with all their affliction, 
one of which is recorded in the New York Tribune of 
the 24th inst., when conversation is related between one 
of the partners of this firm and a goodly colored woman, 
who was, in company with a number, going up to the 
store, but whose feelings were aroused at the insinuation 
that she was a beggar, when she said she was just going 
up to one of the other partners to draw a little money he 
had of hers. 

A rightly conducted savings bank might have been, and 
still would be, a great blessing to them; but to say it 
would be a bank of safety down there might be saying 
more than could be verified. 

We were taken by appointment to the store of J. J. 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 317 

Dale. Partner Wilkins had prepared himself to see us 
to Beaufort with his own conveyance as far as the bridge, 
and then by transportation by boat to the other side, 
where we had to put up with such conveyances as we 
found. But if the good stock had been drowned, and all 
the good vehicles broken up, it is to be supposed that 
passengers will have to take what they can get or go 
afoot. 

The stock on hand appears to be mustangs, with a few 
cows and oxen; but I judge the latter are being reduced 
for their meat. One man I heard killed his cow to share 
with his neighbors that he thought were likely to starve. 

W. Evans, W. J. Wilkins and J. S. E. having a mustang 
apiece, or at least I took them to be mustangs, and with 
a colored driver, away we started across Ladies' Island 
towards Beaufort; but if I could have had my choice I 
would rather have taken my risk in one of the ox carts. 
I soon found that mustangs could easily be underrated as 
to strength, but with a driver about as reckless as they 
were wild there was no telling when we would be landed 
in the ditch. However, when the nags got a little tired, 
they kept more in line ; and, with a fixing up of a quiler, 
the harness held together for the trip, which was made 
across the island quicker than was expected. Fourteen 
of us got into a ferryboat and were rowed across the 
channel, said to be one-half mile wide, by a colored 
man with one leg. I did not know that a boat that size 
could carry so many, and some of us had baggage. We 



318 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

made the passage in safety, for which I felt thankful, 
and made our way to the custom house. 

William Evans left for home ; and Clara Barton, having 
expressed a desire to see me, I went to the office of the 
Red Cross. After a little conversation with one of the 
doctors and his wife, who was also a doctor, I was shown 
to the room of Clara Barton, which was fitted up to 
answer the place of parlor, bedroom and office. 

I found her to be a woman of quite medium size, rather 
simply attired and apparently delicate frame; I would 
judge over sixty years of age; a model of self-control 
until those that might visit her had made their state- 
ments, or given their points, and, it might be, answered 
her questions, and then ability to communicate was in no 
wise lacking. 

After I had given my relation of the errand that 
William Evans and I had been on, and the body we 
represented and what we had witnessed, together with 
what we had heard in the collective and more private 
gatherings, and my general sense of the situation, she 
let George Pullman, her right-hand man, know that she 
wished an hour's talk. 

On hearing of the calamity, she told her informants 
and interceders that she would not take the matter up, 
and held off until different relief committees in the 
different places had had some trial of it. Then Senator 
Butler applied to her and offered to go with her; and, 
accompanied by the Governor of South Carolina, the 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 319 

trip was made, and the Governor issued a proclamation 
to the effect that the matter of relief would be given 
over to her financially and executively, and he wished 
the different relief committees to turn the matter over 
to her. 

The Red Cross, then being considered in the position 
of the dispensers of what might be placed in their hands, 
sent out persons over the islands to prospect and report 
the situation. The field being large, they had to govern 
themselves accordingly. 

There is no doubt that tact and ability was shown in 
the management in some particulars, as when some one 
would come to ask for assistance to put up a house, and 
the applicant would seem to have some mind, and there 
was reason to believe he would put up the house if he 
had a little lumber given him. In one case a man was 
sent out to make inquiry and report how many there 
were who would be benefited in his neighborhood by 
lumber and helping one another to build, and it was 
surprising what six thousand feet of lumber did in that 
settlement. 

In another instance where twenty-five houses were 
destroyed and forty-five wanted repairing, how they were 
rebuilt and renewed by the men with ten thousand feet 
of lumber, the men going into the woods and cutting out 
the square timbers. The Red Cross gave these men 
double rations for the time being, as they also allowed 
double rations for those who were digging ditches in 



320 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

front of their own and their neighbors' lands, for it 
appeared the land was wet and soured and wanted drain- 
ing, and the wells being filled with salt water, had to be 
baled or pumped out and cleaned. 

It was advised that the potatoes and corn that were 
water-soaked should be burned, lest the wells should be 
polluted. 

The food that was distributed last month by the Red 
Cross was estimated at about three thousand dollars, and 
they think they will want six thousand next month, inde- 
pendent of what would be wanted for the sick. I under- 
stood they had sent a trained nurse into each district. 

Whilst the amount placed in the hands of the Red 
Cross has in the aggregate amounted to a large sum, yet 
all that may have been given in money, goods and mer- 
chandize of all kinds has, in my view, been wholly in- 
adequate to the needs of the people who suffered by the 
storm, nor did I think, from all I have learned, that the 
Red Cross is at all equal to the magnitude of the emer- 
gency, and without help, additional to that which they are 
likely to render, there will be an increased mortality from 
want of food and clothing, and probably in places of fuel. 

On leaving, C. B. said she was glad of the interview 
and obliged for my patience ; and with some other kindly 
expressions we parted, and I traveled back to the custom 
house and had a farewell call with General Small. 

Twelfth month 29. After bidding farewell to Rachel 
C. Mather and her household I went with George Gage, 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 321 

who was waiting for me, to his home and spent a very 
pleasant evening with them, also D. Karcher and wife. 
D. C. Wilson and wife came to spend the evening with 
us. D. C. W. being a man amongst men, he gave me 
some very interesting accounts relating to the history 
of South Carolina, and more particularly of the result 
of the continued application to the Legislature for a re- 
duction in the tax on phosphate from 105 to 50 or 55 
cents, with the condition that there should be an increase 
when the price went up in the market. A commission 
had been sent down from Columbia, and the sight of the 
wrecked boats and dredges was quite an object lesson, 
without the sight of which it was hardly thought the 
petition would have been granted. D. C. W. said the 
dredgers would now feel in heart to start up their busi- 
ness again, which would give employment to a consid- 
able number of men. 

I felt well repaid for staying overnight at Beaufort. 

Had about two minutes to spare at the depot before 
taking the train, and, the rain continuing pretty much 
through the day, the progress over the swamps and chan- 
nels was exceedingly slow. The term crawling along 
would be much more appropriate than to say the train 
was a flyer, but Charleston was reached in safety. 

Took quarters at the Charleston House and started out 
to see the Mayor, as it was thought if I would go at once 
without waiting for dinner I might see him in his office, 
but I missed him, as he was gone for the day. I then 



322 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

went to the office of the Chairman of the Relief Com- 
mittee, Joseph Barnwell, to hear what he could tell me 
of the condition of the islands about Charleston and of 
sufferers on the main land. 

I found him a man apparently not much in sympathy 
with the negro. He thought they were clothed enough; 
and, as for giving them bacon, it was useless, and ac- 
counts were exaggerated. Still he admitted that when 
they began to give out rations that about all of the 
islanders came after them, and that the islands were 
nearly depopulated. They had received about eight 
thousand dollars, dispensed five thousand and gave three 
thousand to the Red Cross at the recommendation of the 
Governor. Their committee did not like it very much, 
but seeing the Governor desired it, they felt like respect- 
ing his wishes. 

He informed me that the islands roundabout Charles- 
ton were chiefly owned by the whites, whilst those round- 
about Beaufort were chiefly owned by colored people, 
and that there were very few white people on them. I 
might have told him that no one from St. Helena Island 
had yet been sent to the poorhouse, and but one murder 
committed for many years by one of the colored people 
on St. Helena. 

He also told me that he was chairman of the Relief 
Committee at the time of the earthquake, and that six 
hundred thousand dollars had come into their hands, and 
it was the means of enabling the city to build up again. 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 323 

After dinner I took a walk to see a little of the city. 
Called at the jail, which seems like a nice structure, well 
adapted to its purpose, with about fifty inmates. The 
orphan asylum is a very pretty building, with a nice piece 
of ground in front of it — two hundred and fifty inmates. 
The Roman Catholics are building a famous cathedral, 
the bishop's residence nearby is quite imposing, with other 
structures roundabout of which the Catholics have con- 
trol. 

Saw the statue of John C. Calhoun, perched up at a 
great height in front of the barracks. On the same 
pedestal, some twenty or thirty feet below, was a figure # 
representing his wife in a sitting posture. It seemed 
curious that a man's wife should be seated about half 
as high as himself. I suppose that may have been a 
Southern rating, but I do not think it is the rating of 
the North at this age. Several other public buildings 
were pointed out as I strolled along to the river front, 
where I saw some of the wrecks strewn around, although 
four months had allowed time for some of the things to 
be straightened out. 

There are many grievances that still exist in this part 
of the country — the old feeling of aristocracy and cruelty 
to the negro has by no means died out. I was told that 
Governor Tilghman said the choicest relic he had in his 
parlor was the rifle he used at the massacre of the blacks 
at a given point. 

D. C. Wilson gave as a piece of statistics that the 



324 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON i 8 93 

taxable property of the negro in the United States was 
four hundred millions, which would be about fifty dollars 
to every individual. I have seen the statistics of the 
whites to the import that it was one thousand dollars to 
an individual, so that as yet the negro has about one- 
twentieth of the property, and one-eighth or one-ninth of 
the population, a disparity that need not excite any imme- 
diate alarm, nor should it if the condition were reversed, 
and all under the government of the Prince of Peace. 

One James Wigg spoke of help being wanted on the 
main land, and spoke of one or two plantations where 
every house was carried away or wrecked, and also spoke 
of two plantations where no help had been afforded. 

An interesting incident was told of a mother who 
started off with three children, two of them behind her 
holding on to her dress and her oldest boy in front of her, 
she holding on to the collar of his coat. She was asked 
why she put him before her, for she could stand in deeper 
water than he could. "Yes," she said, "but if I went first 
into the ditch, we might have all been drowned ; but if he 
got in a ditch I could drag him out by the collar and we 
all be saved." 

Twelfth month 30. Had an early breakfast and took 
7.15 train from Charleston to Columbia, passing over a 
flat country with much swampy ground and poor build- 
ings. Arrived about 11.15. Called on Emily Williams, 
Bishop Salter and the widow of the late Bishop Dicker- 
son, who told me how to find the residence of Ellen C. 



Age 63 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 325 

Brayton, who, in the correspondence I had with her, 
invited me to call on them. I was very hospitably re- 
ceived and entertained. She is the wife of Ellery Bray- 
ton, a man of considerable means or large possessions, 
holding four thousand acres of land, in addition to other 
property. On telling her of my desire to see the Gov- 
ernor, she kindly wrote a note and sent it to him, asking 
him to appoint a time when he would grant an interview, 
and word came back appointing four o'clock. 

I had some interesting conversation with Ellery Bray- 
ton in regard to the granting of leases to tenants and 
taking liens on the crops. The land is let out in lots 
from ten to thirty acres, at prices varying from one to 
four or five dollars an acre. Each plot rented was ex- 
pected to have a house on it, and in most cases there was 
a mule hired, and the agreement on the part of the land- 
lord to furnish a given amount of fertilizer. 

Called on the Governor, whom I found, as was re- 
ported, a pretty rough-looking man. He was, however, 
frank and open; but had not much sympathy for the 
blacks. He said the condition about Beaufort was a 
peculiar one. There were forty thousand blacks in 
Beaufort county, and only fifteen hundred whites, and 
that whilst it would be a disgrace to allow the people to 
perish, yet a state government had need to be careful how 
they took up charity lest it should be abused. 

After considerable conversation we parted in a friendly 
way, he saying he was willing to be communicated with 



326 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1893 

at any time and give an opinion if desired. I was well 
satisfied with having had an interview and feel that the 
door is open for further correspondence. 

Returned to Brayton's to lodge, easy in mind for the 
homecoming trip. 



CHAPTER XII. 
Religious Services in Philadelphia and Vicinity. 

Fourth month i, 1894. After our appointed meeting 
last evening I heard that there were thirty-five Catholics 
outside the building who had heard what was said, and 
a police officer among them, who appeared to be particu- 
larly impressed. The police officer was not there at my 
request, but I think he was not out of place. The Roman 
Catholics were probably afraid to come in lest they should 
be censured by their priests. 

Fourth month 2. Our dear little granddaughter, Edith, 
passed away this afternoon. As I rode along in the car 
before hearing of her death I was favored with a feeling 
of quietness, and the words came to me, "In the Divine 
Hand." I trust they are applicable to both the survivors 
and the dear departed one. 

Fourth month 5. At brother Thomas' request went 
with him to the Southwestern burying ground, where he 
decided upon the purchase of lots 271 and 272, section B. 

Fourth month 5. At the funeral of our dear grand- 
child we had a goodly gathering of sympathizers, the 
house being pretty well filled. Aunt Abigail Vail, Virginia 
Sellew, Mary S. Walton, Rebecca Kite, William U. Ditz- 
ler, Charles Rhoads, all had something to offer. Son 
Alfred said, "He whom Edith called upon — the Saviour — 
said 'Suffer little children to come unto Me and forbid 

327 



328 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1894 

them not.' " I felt drawn to the company downstairs, feel- 
ing it was due them that I should show them we appre- 
ciated the sympathy shown by them in coming, so I went 
down and addressed them in that line. I also alluded to 
the feelings I had when an infant sister died when I was 
small, and I thought I prayed with all my strength for 
her life and thought it strange she did not live, but I had 
not then learned that, like those who were with our 
Saviour when on earth, we had need to ask Him to teach 
us how to pray. I afterward appeared in supplication. 
At the graveside cousin Benjamin Vail offered a short 
petition and son Joseph said a few words, commencing, 
"And the spirit to Him who gave it." 

Fourth month 26. Went into one of the synagogues of 
the Jews and had an interview with the chief rabbi. Our 
conversation was on religious subjects. He told me there 
were forty thousand Jews in this city. It is the time of 
the keeping of the Passover, and in the basement I saw 
a number of Jews standing with their hats on, and, I was 
told, in the attitude of prayer. There were many candles 
burning, although it was not yet sundown. It seemed to 
be a recess in their time of worship when I was there, 
and those I took to be their principal men were quite 
friendly and disposed to hear all that I offered. I ex- 
plained to them in what I believed spiritual worship 
consisted, as also how I believed the true Passover might 
be kept. 

Fourth month 2J. This day I complete my sixty- 



Age 64 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 329 

fourth year and my wife her fifty-eighth. We are now 
in the thirty-eighth year that we have lived together and 
have witnessed many exercises and many mercies. May 
the preserving and supporting power of our Heavenly 
Father be with and underneath us to the end. 

Sixth month 15. Went to the meeting in the Simpson 
Memorial building on Kensington avenue, above Cam- 
bria, which I understood, when the arrangement was 
made with the pastor, was to be conducted after the 
manner of our Society, but on arrival we found the pastor 
engaged with a number of children singing in a side room, 
and on going with them into the large room found quite 
a number assembled, three hundred or more being pres- 
ent. The pastor seemed decided on opening the meeting 
in his own way and then handing it over to us. There 
seemed no other way than to let it be so, without making 
more of a disturbance than would be profitable. He had 
some singing, and then a vocal prayer, and then a few 
introductory remarks in giving the time to us. I em- 
braced the opportunity, stating that we were moving 
amongst the people, hoping to be brought into sympathy 
with them, and as the name of the Saviour was so much 
on the lips of the people, the children having sung that 
He was a "wonderful Saviour," I added that He might 
be known among them, not only because they had read 
or heard of Him, but by living experience. We all might 
know Him as the Everlasting Father and through his 
glorious gospel be made new creatures, followers of Him 



330 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1394 

with a reverential sense of his divinity. It was touching 
and interesting to be with so many children and young 
people. 

Seventh month 3. I had a feeling interview with the 
warden of the Eastern State Penitentiary. He had given 
me a book of his to read, and I gave him my views on it. 
Whilst I could not approve of capital punishment, which 
he thought was warranted in the case of three crimes; 
nor could I agree with him on the point that intemperance 
was not the cause of much of the crime prevailing, for I 
believed it was, and I hardly agreed with him on what he 
calls the one-man government, yet I do believe that the 
thirty-four years he has spent in that institution have 
resulted in his making that prison very much of a model 
for cleanliness and comfort and low death rate compared 
with other institutions; and whilst the warden may hold 
different views and have different religious associations, 
yet I trust he is the object of Divine mercy and regard, 
and his work on prisons is valuable for reference. 

Eighth month 6. At our Quarterly Meeting I brought 
up a subject that had been on my mind for some time 
in the second meeting, stating that whilst it was the busi- 
ness of our meeting emphatically to labor for the build- 
ing up of the body, yet was there not a duty towards the 
community in our collective capacity, and whilst we had 
cause for thankfulness that we had been spared some of 
the great trials that had been in other parts of the 
country, and we had institutions that were a credit before 



Age 64 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 331 

the world, yet the evils that abounded were subjects 
which should exercise our minds, and the question was 
whether it might not be right to address our fellow- 
citizens thereon? The multiplying of the theatres and 
other places of amusements, and the evidences we had 
of the licentiousness of some of the police officers, were 
very grievous, and there was too much reason to fear 
those officers connived with much of the wickedness. I 
did not want to be anxious in reference to the address. I 
only wanted that, for our sakes and the welfare of those 
who should come after us, we should be concerned to do 
our part and not hold back because we felt ourselves to 
be but a handful. After a great deal of unity had been 
expressed, a minute was made as follows: 

At a Quarterly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia the 
Sixth-day of the Eighth month, 1894 : 

The attention of the meeting having been called to the evil 
effect of places of amusements in this city, as also the disposition 
to foster a military spirit in public schools and in other ways, 
and that those evils are on the increase, with but little hope of any 
check being applied by the civil laws, the subject has brought us 
under weighty exercise of mind, under which it was believed 
right to set apart a few friends to further consider the subject, 
and if way opens for it, prepare an address to the community on 
these and kindred matters and produce it to our next meeting, 
namely, Joseph S. Elkinton, George J. Scattergood, James E. 
Rhoads, Richard J. Allen, Edward Maris, Edwin P. Sellew, Joel 
Cadbury, John W. Biddle, Ephraim Smith and Benjamin Vail. 
Taken from the Minutes. 

Ephraim Smith, Clerk. 



332 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1894 

Eighth month 20. Met with a person to-day who had 
a great respect for Friends, and wanted to know about 
the way to become a member, to which I replied that it 
took a good deal to make a Friend, and more to keep him 
when he is made. We could not manufacture them, but 
when the Lord made them we wanted to own them. 

Eighth month 21. This evening Edwin P. Sellew and 
I attended a meeting on Front street, below Berks, in a 
place that was a mere shed, with sawdust on the ground 
and old chairs to seat the people. For a time it seemed 
as if we might have a pretty rough company, but we 
settled down into a degree of solemnity and had a favored 
meeting. After I had made some expression intended to 
close the meeting, the pastor was so impressed he used 
the somewhat extravagant expression, "If you have not 
had a feast from Heaven it is because you are not in 
condition to receive it." 

Eleventh month 22. In the afternoon met the com- 
mittee appointed at a previous meeting to pay personal 
visits, as far as practical, to the ministers of the different 
denominations to deliver the Address issued by our Quar- 
terly Meeting. 

Eleventh month 23. Called on several Presbyterian 
and Methodist ministers, who received the Address 
kindly, and two promised to call the attention of their 
respective meetings of ministers to it. One promised to 
see that every family in his congregation was supplied 
with a copy. 



Age 64 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 333 

I went to the residence of Patrick John Ryan, the 
Roman Catholic archbishop, and asked for a brief inter- 
view. I was shown into a parlor and allowed to wait 
for twenty minutes, when the archbishop came in. His 
manner towards me was pleasant. After we were together 
a little while he seemed open and disposed to converse 
on the evils that abounded in our city and said he would 
read our Address and, if he approved of it, would recom- 
mend it to the clergy. He spoke of having crossed the 
ocean with one of our members, J. Bevan Braithwaite, 
and on my observing he was a well-informed man, he 
said, "Yes," and that he was much interested in his 
conversation. I told the archbishop that whilst it was our 
intention to distribute the Address pretty generally, I 
chose first to go to those of character and influence in 
the city and tell them what I had in view. From there 
I went to see the Mayor, and had the privilege of quiet 
retirement until he was disengaged. He received me 
openly, and not only promised to read the Address which 
I gave him, but he presented me with a Council's Manual, 
containing the list of the residences of the members of 
the Select and Common Councils, and recommended me 
to mail the Address to their residences that their families 
might have the opportunity to read it. 

Eleventh month 26. I was allowed to go into the 
meeting of the Methodist ministers and speak concerning 
the Address by our Quarterly Meeting, and left a suffi- 
cient number of copies to furnish one to each member. 



334 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON i 8 94 

I met with a very kindly response, and a motion was 
recorded to the import that they appreciated what had 
been delivered, and it was grateful to them to know the 
concern of our Society. From that place I went to a 
meeting of colored ministers and was given a hearing 
and received a favorable response to what I offered. 

Eleventh month 2J. I went to see Nicholas Cantrell, 
vicar-general of the Roman Catholics. I was taken to 
the second story and, when about entering his private 
room, it was observed that he was at his prayers. When 
he had finished he came into the entry, and invited me in, 
and was disposed to be social. He was eighty-two years 
of age, and has been in that place nearly fifty years. He 
said he would read the Address, and allowed me to leave 
some for distribution. As in the other cases, I was 
granted an interview, in the course of which I received 
more information of the condition of our district than 
from any other source. 

Eleventh month 29. In our Monthly Meeting for busi- 
ness I stated that it was not common to report on an 
uncompleted service, yet as I had held a minute for a 
year, I was willing to know the mind of the meeting 
about continuing to hold it. I stated that I had en- 
deavored to keep pretty steadily under the exercise al- 
though I was away from the city for a time in the South 
on account of the sufferers by the cyclone. 

In appointing meetings I commenced near my own 
home and along the river side, among the seafaring men 



Age 64 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 335 

and in the southeastern part of the city ; then went to the 
northeastern portion. Through the summer months I 
was engaged on Lehigh avenue and other parts of the 
city east of the Schuylkill river. John G. Haines and 
Edwin P. Sellew accompanied me, and we had been met 
with openness and had been supported. Some precious 
interviews had been held with individuals in different 
conditions of life. I held myself open or resigned to 
act according to the mind of the meeting, whether Friends 
were willing for me to still hold the minute, or whether 
I should discontinue the work after the engagements 
already made had been fulfilled. There was a very 
general expression of willingness that I should hold the 
minute until I felt the service was accomplished. 

Twelfth month 12. I have been moving around, seek- 
ing interviews with the Roman Catholic priests, which 
is indeed a service requiring close watchfulness lest, 
under an appearance of suavity of manner, there may be 
deceit in those with whom we come in contact, and yet 
I cannot complain of my fare. Had an interview to-day 
with the chairman of the Consistory Board of the Pres- 
bytery at the "Bethany." He was very pleasant, and 
seemed quite disposed to aid in the circulation of our 
Address. 

First month 4, 1895. At the noonday meeting, 713 
Chestnut street, there was a very large attendance. Sev- 
eral ministers of other societies, and quite a representa- 
tive of the younger part of the business community, were 



336 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON i 8 95 

present. The manager appointed by the Methodist Con- 
ference to have charge of the place told me the meeting 
gave good satisfaction, and that he himself was in- 
structed by what was offered. The importance of integ- 
rity was held up to view, also the avoidance of luxury 
and excesses of all kinds as being of evil tendency and 
bad example, and the Divine blessing was to be desired 
over and above any earthly consideration. The holding 
of this meeting I had felt to be a weighty exercise, but it 
seemed right to embrace the opportunity, as it was some- 
thing of an introduction among the business men in the 
heart of the city. 

First month 5. Physical suffering and exercises, both 
of a mental and spiritual character, have been the portion 
of many. But those who trust in the Lord and do His 
will are fed with food convenient for them, and many 
can testify to the goodness of the Lord in dispensing his 
favors, even of support in affliction. Has not the Lord 
supported his own servants? And whether they have 
been fed with the bread of adversity, or the water of 
affliction, or have known more of the blessing of Heaven 
above and the earth beneath, yet the same Lord over all 
has proved that He was good to all that call upon Him, 
to all that call upon Him in truth. 

Moving, as I have been, among the people and attend- 
ing religious concerns, I have at times, when alone in 
my private room, secretly petitioned for my own and my 
children's sake, that our business might be cared for and 



Age 65 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 



337 



at the close of the year might have yielded sufficient to 
cover family expenses and what may have been con- 
tributed to the necessities of others. I do not remember 
when I have had more cause for gratitude than when 
this petition has been granted, for many have fallen 
short, and the feeling has been with regard to the out- 
ward, as well as of spiritual application, who can stand? 

At the appointed meeting at the branch of the Young 
Men's Christian Association the attendance was not 
large, but we had a satisfactory meeting. 

First month 24. Not long since I received a letter 
from a man, inquiring where he could obtain writings 
explanatory of the views of Friends. Preferring to visit 
him, I have had an interesting interview. He stated that 
he had been at various places of worship, without much 
settlement; but that some months ago, sitting in Inde- 
pendence Square, there was an inward voice which said 
to him, "Investigate the views of the Society of Friends," 
which he rather despised, thinking they were an old-time, 
narrow-minded people; but he could not rid himself of 
the monition until he wrote to me, having seen my name 
in the directory as minister of the meeting nearest him. 
He was not a believer in the Divinity of Christ. I told 
him I did not think it best to argue with him. I could 
only hope for the breaking forth of Light that would 
convince him and I must leave him for the present with 
his Maker. I, however, gave him a copy of Barclay's 



338 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON i 8 95 

Apology, and told him other books could be obtained at 
our bookstore. 

First month 25. At our Monthly Meeting my son 
Joseph appeared in the line of prayer, that those who 
might not be in a watchful state and were insensible when 
Jesus of Nazareth was passing by might be aroused from 
their insensibility. In the second meeting there was a 
good measure of Life during the answers of the queries, 
and some pertinent remarks made. The treasurer's 
report was an interesting one, and I was impressed with 
the amount of work that devolved upon the treasurer, 
and I hope that my son William, in the discharge of this 
trust, may be favored with best help. We have been 
privileged to have officers in our Monthly Meeting who 
have been faithful to the trusts committed to them. Such 
have managed the concerns of Society in a way that has 
brought credit to it and, as occasion has called for it, 
could express the exercise of the body in writing so as 
to convey a clear impression. 

Brother Thomas, as clerk of the Monthly Meeting, and 
Ephraim Smith, as clerk of the Quarterly Meeting, made 
just and clear minutes, and I have heard nothing to the 
contrary concerning sister Sarah, who is clerk of the 
Women's Quarterly Meeting. 

First month 31. This afternoon went to the Roman 
Catholic institution at Overbrook and saw the principal, 
and had the most open talk with him of any in his 
position in reference to the distribution of the Address of 



Age 65 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 339 

our Quarterly Meeting. He expressed quite a willingness 
to take part therein. He said there were one hundred 
and forty students there, and he would take enough to 
furnish a copy to each one. He said he had heard of 
me, and was glad I had come to see him. This, as in 
other cases, brought me under a feeling of the importance 
of our acting consistently with our profession. I do 
not know that I ever felt more the need of the prayers 
of my friends, including those of sober thoughtfulness 
outside the membership of our Society, that I might keep 
my proper place in humility and serve the Lord with 
reverence and godly fear. 

Second month 2J. Our meeting this evening was held 
at Girard avenue and Lawrence street. The house is 
not large, but was well rilled, probably three hundred and 
fifty present. The minister of that congregation was 
evidently in a very kindly spirit towards Friends, and on 
the settling of the meeting there was a remarkable feeling 
of peace and sweetness. In the minister's introductory 
remarks he spoke highly of Friends, and said he never 
knew of one of them keeping a saloon. 

Third month 14. An Episcopalian clergyman called to 
see me, having heard that I had a hand in the Address 
we had been distributing. He was anxious that we 
should do something more than we had already done by 
cautioning the people against the introduction of the 
military system in the public schools, saying that the 
majority of the members of the Legislature were opposed 



340 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1895 

to the bill that was now before that body, but it was 
thought the minority would push it through, for the 
Governor was in favor of it. 

Third month 16. At our Meeting for Sufferings this 
morning I opened the subject that the Episcopalian cler- 
gyman had spoken to me on, and it resulted in the 
appointment of a committee to prepare a remonstrance. 

Third month 23. My mind turned toward the Jewish 
synagogue on Broad street above Columbia avenue. Re- 
formed Jews they call themselves. The synagogue is a 
magnificent one inside. When last with the Rabbi, J. 
Leonard Levy, I felt I should be with him again, and I 
had received the impression that he was to speak to-day 
on "Christ the Enlightener.'' I was confirmed in my 
opinion, previously formed, that he was one of the best- 
developed young men intellectually that I had met, and 
is a very fluent speaker. What he said was very much 
of an historical character, giving an account of what is 
called the sanctuary of the Lord and its institutions. He 
described the construction of the temple at Jerusalem, 
and said that in the state of slavery the artistic talents 
of the Jews could not be developed, therefore there were 
artists brought from Tyre. He spoke of the desecration 
of the temple, and of its reconstruction, and also of its 
final destruction, as the speaker said, by a firebrand 
applied by a Roman soldier ; and now, he stated, the sanc- 
tuary of the Lord is in the hearts and homes of the 
children of Israel. 



Age 65 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 341 

I spent about an hour in the synagogue, and before 
leaving I told J. L. Levy that I was under the impression 
that he was to speak on "Christ the Enlightener." He 
replied, "On the morrow." He had said in his discourse 
that Jesus Christ received his education in the Jewish 
synagogues which were scattered throughout all Judea, 
and further conversation brought out the assertion from 
him that whilst they believed Jesus Christ to have been 
a great teacher, they denied his divinity. I asked him if 
they justified his crucifixion. He said that was done on 
political grounds, and it was written over the cross, ''King 
of the Jews." 

They look upon the story of Jesus as being made up 
for fear of the Romans ; that it would not do to accuse 
the Romans of the crucifixion of Christ, and they charged 
it on the Jews. My spirit yearned over that young man. 
What will all the brightness of intellect, or all the splen- 
dor of their temples amount to, if the Holy One and the 
Just is denied ; if they will not come to Him, in whom 
there is life, and who gives eternal life to his followers? 
Other foundation can no man lay than Jesus Christ, the 
same yesterday, to-day and forever. It is hoped that 
the Lord in His mercy would open the eyes of such an 
one, whose talents, if sanctified, might fit him to be a 
noble witness for the Truth as it is in Jesus. 

Third month 28. Soon after the business of our 
Monthly Meeting was entered upon I stated that, having 
arrived at the judgment that the present might be a 



342 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1895 

proper time to give up the minute granted me in Eleventh 
month, 1893, I did so. In the many engagements in 
public meetings, or in a less public way, there had been 
encountered no open resentment. The work had been 
attended with some exercise, exposure and fatigue, which 
were not worthy to be compared with the particular 
providences and mercies that had been witnessed. The 
way was very generally opened for the carrying on of 
the concern, there being very few cases where applica- 
tions for places to hold meetings were not granted with 
apparent cheerfulness. Blessed be the name of the Lord ; 
there are those in the community who are honestly en- 
deavoring to serve their generation according to the 
Divine will. 

Sixth month 28. Called on William U. Ditzler, who 
related to me some of the experiences of his early life. 
He appears to have been seriously inclined from his 
youth. His father was a Lutheran minister, and one of 
his ancestors was of the company of Germans invited 
by William Penn to come and settle in Pennsylvania. 
When near sixteen years of age his father wanted him 
to be confirmed, which William stoutly resisted, and his 
father kept him in seclusion from the outside world for 
months, telling him his views were like the Quakers, and 
he wanted him to get rid of them. Through much per- 
suasion he was induced to submit to the confirmation with 
certain reservations. During the time of comparative 
seclusion William broke his leg and suffered much. In 



Age 65 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 343 

the course of time he obtained a situation in a store in 
Lancaster, and there got the first insight into the tailoring 
business. He had a strong drawing to Philadelphia, and 
arrived while still in his minority. 

Through information given by his friends where he 
boarded, he found his w r ay to Twelfth Street Meeting, 
where a communication from Mary Ann Lloyd appears 
to have been blessed to him and tended to settle him in 
adopting that as his meeting, to which he applied for 
membership before he was twenty-one years of age. 
Knowing his father's views, Friends thought proper to 
defer granting his request until he was of age, as he 
could then act upon his own responsibility. Later he 
was accepted as a member and visited by the committee 
appointed to inform him of the fact. One of the com- 
mittee remarked that if he had anything to say to them, 
they would be glad to hear it, to which he responded that 
he hoped his future life would give them no cause to 
regret their action in the matter. 

His first appearance in the ministry was before he 
became a member, and he spoke in German. A professor 
in one of the medical colleges said there was no one in 
that meeting who understood the message but the one 
for whom it was intended, and that was himself. 

Seventh month 25. In our Monthly Meeting for busi- 
ness I opened or expressed a concern to attend Ohio and 
Western Yearly Meetings and some of the meetings com- 
posing them, also appoint some public meetings on the 



344 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1895 

line of travel, as also to be at Tunesassa at or near the 
close of the session. There was a very fair expression 
of unity with the concern and a minute was granted. 

Eighth month 6. Left Philadelphia on the service for 
which I was liberated by my Monthly and Quarterly 
Meetings. 

Tenth month 12. Have received word of the death of 
two of our ablest ministers — Clarkson Sheppard and 
Richard Esterbrook. I question if their equals in relig- 
ious experience and as gospel ministers are left behind 
them. They were both true friends to me, manifesting 
an interest in my welfare, and in their company I had 
true enjoyment. The manifestation of love and regard, 
by word of mouth and by their letters and in other ways, 
rises up in sweet and precious remembrance, and not 
likely ever to be forgotten. It is left for us, as we are 
bereft of such counselors, to seek and know the Lord for 
our refuge and dwelling place. It was impracticable to 
get home in time for dear Clarkson Sheppard's funeral; 
and I am sorry that, owing to there being no train east, 
we will be unable to attend that of Richard Esterbrook, 
arriving home just a few hours too late. 

Tenth month 24. In the Monthly Meeting to-day I 
reported that through Divine favor and the assistance of 
those among whom my lot was cast, I had been enabled 
to perform the service for which I had been liberated by 
that meeting in the Seventh month. Had visited Friends 
in Ohio and Indiana and had held nine appointed public 



Age 65 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 345 

meetings, and had been allowed religious opportunities in 
the State Reformatory, and also with the students and 
professors at Earlham College. The report and the read- 
ing of the returning minutes were kindly received. 

Ephraim Smith stated that his attention had been 
directed to the subject of joining Jonathan E. Rhoads in 
the pursuance of his religious visit within the limits of 
the Yearly Meetings of Great Britain and Ireland, and 
he could not feel comfortable in turning from it and 
felt willing to hold himself open to go if the Monthly 
Meeting felt satisfied therewith. He wished that Friends 
would express their judgment, either by approval or 
otherwise. I said that Jonathan E. Rhoads was engaged 
in religious service with the unity of his friends, and it 
was reasonable that he should have a congenial com- 
panion ; and that Ephraim Smith was such we had ample 
evidence, and my choice was that he should be liberated. 

Tenth month 51. I have lately been notified of my 
being elected as a member of the executive committee 
of the Christian League. 

I went to their office and was told of what they were 
endeavoring to accomplish in the line of reform, and I 
thought they were at work in a business-like way that 
was likely to effect a change for the better, but I did 
not see it my place to join the league, and went to the 
chairman of the executive committee to state that I was 
not prepared to accept the appointment, and there was 
no likelihood of my complying with the suggestion put 



346 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1896 

in print by him; that there should be men chosen from 
the different denominations to hold regular religious 
services with the councils of this city. I explained that 
it was inconsistent for any Friend to give the expectation 
that he would regularly engage in public vocal religious 
services, for we believe that religious service, in the line 
of the ministry, should be of the Lord's appointing, as 
well as the matter to be delivered and the place. Yet it 
is well that the thoughts of the people should be turned 
toward reform, and an endeavor made to bring a religious 
influence to bear upon the men in authority. Samuel 
Bettle, Sr., has said it requires a certain amount of grace 
to understand Friends' principles. 

Eleventh month p. Went to the steamer Luciana to 
see Ephraim Smith off on his journey across the Atlantic. 

Eleventh month 25. A letter from brother Ephraim 
informs of his having some sickness during the passage, 
and that the pleasantest sight he saw on arrival was 
Jonathan E. Rhoads. 

Twelfth month 16. The root of the testimony against 
war is no other than Christian love and that righteous- 
ness which produces peace and quietness and perpetual 
assurance of a natural fruit. 

First month i, 1896. It was concluded by our firm to 
allow our employees to stop work at noon, and at 2 P. M. 
to return with their families to a dinner provided for 
them at the factory. A table was set in the third story 
of the factory, the eastern end of which had been cleared 



Age 66 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 347 

for the purpose. We had a satisfactory time at the 
table, after which I spoke to the company, reverting to 
the time fifty-two years ago when there was a similar 
occasion. We had with us the representatives of the 
fourth generation, my grandson Passmore being present. 
The first had passed away, and it would not be long until 
those of us of the second would pass away, and the 
charge of affairs would naturally come on the next. 
After I had finished, opportunity was given to George 
Irwin, who had been long in our employ, to express 
himself. He said he had thought of the Scripture passage 
as being appropriate, and upon being requested to quote 
it, repeated, "It is good for us to be here." He also 
adverted to the time when this was spoken on the Mount. 
and enlarged thereon. Two others of our employees 
made kindly remarks. Son Joseph alluded to the absence 
of his uncle, Ephraim Smith, and gave a very just tribute 
to him. Son Alfred also spoke in a way I felt satisfied 
with, as also son William, who addressed the company 
after the hour spent in witnessing some magic lantern 
views, kindly shown by Anna Walton and William Cow- 
perthwaite, and they all retired with apparently very 
pleasant feelings. 

First month 26. Having had my mind drawn to meet 
again with those who gather on First-day evenings at 
the "Sunday Breakfast Association" rooms, and finding 
that William U. Ditzler had been laboring under a similar 
concern, an appointment was made for this evening, 



348 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1896 

Charles Rhoads and Edwin P. Sellew joining in the 
concern. 

On our arrival at the place, I suppose twelve hundred 
were there; and I was told there were three hundred 
and fifty in the room below. I expressed a concern that 
I had on my mind as follows: That whilst I supposed 
there was but a small proportion of those present that 
had any part in the late disturbances in our city, yet I 
felt to enforce the great desirableness of all being peace- 
loving and law-abiding citizens, and I felt required to 
present to their view that we should be in a spirit to 
pray that those in authority should be imbued with the 
spirit of justice and of wisdom, and that patience should 
be observed by all who felt they had grievances. Whilst 
I approved of laws for the suppression of evil, yet it 
would never be effectually done until individuals gave 
place to the convictions of the Holy Spirit, for it was only 
by the light and power of Christianity that evil could be 
abolished. I spoke also of the importance of secret sup- 
plication to overcome evil. After expressing myself 
there, I went into the lower room, and when Edwin P. 
Sellew finished speaking, I addressed the company, after 
which the superintendent of the Industrial Home, in 
connection with the association, delivered an address that 
was attended with a good feeling. Charles Rhoads and 
William U. Ditzler also had service in the upper room. 

Second month 20. A stranger came to me after meet- 
ing, saying he wanted to speak with me and go to my 



Age 66 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 349 

house, if agreeable. He said he had driven around with 
my father and William Evans a week, when they were 
in Canada, and that they had lodged at his father's 
several nights. His father's name was Judah Bowerman. 
I gave him the account of father's travels in Canada to 
read after dinner, in which he was much interested, and 
called my attention to a name mentioned in one of my 
father's letters, saying he knew of that man, and told 
of his having a very fine pair of horses, about the finest 
in that part of the country, and a hired man was sent 
with them on an errand. A little son of the owner begged 
to go and was allowed. On the way the boy was encour- 
aged to get out to look after some squirrels, when he 
was shot, and the man drove off" with the horses. The 
mother of the boy dreamed he had been shot and saw 
the place in her dream, and there the body of the boy 
was found. The man was pursued and executed. 

Judah Bowerman had a heavy load on his mind, with 
two carloads of prunes — twenty tons — to dispose of, 
which he had brought from Oregon. Son William kindly 
helped him by finding a party willing to make an advance 
of three and one-half cents a pound, and pay the freight 
and sell the prunes on commission. J. Bowerman stayed 
over night with us, and after making arrangements about 
the prunes started for home. 

Third month I. A considerable number of strangers 
coming late into our afternoon meeting, my mind was 
turned particularly towards them, and I commenced 



350 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1896 

speaking with the words : "It was with a deeper feeling 
than was generally implied in the word welcome; that 
we rejoiced when those we were not acquainted with 
inclined to meet with us." We were thankful we had a 
place that, in the religious liberty now allowed, we could 
assemble together, where it might be said prayer was 
wont to be made, and where we came to present our- 
selves before the Most High and to wait on Him for the 
renewal of strength and Divine counsel. My tongue was 
loosened on this occasion to speak of some of our dis- 
tinguishing principles. A heavenly peace prevailed when 
the spirit of revenge was taken out of the human heart. 
Also that the offerings which were acceptable to the 
Lord were those made in brokenness and contrition of 
spirit, and the Lord would show what was to be given 
up and what was to be performed by the aid of his Spirit. 
We should also be given to know that the baptism which 
is saving is the answer of a good conscience toward God 
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

To the Board of Public Education for the First School District 
of Pennsylvania. 

We would respectfully represent that as a Committee of the 
Religious Society of Friends of Philadelphia and parts adjacent, 
we feel called earnestly to protest against the proposition now 
pending before your board, whereby it is designed to introduce 
a system of military drill in the high schools of this city. 

The chief considerations leading us to this course are so 
clearly set forth in a memorial of the representatives above re- 
ferred to, addressed to the Legislature of Pennsylvania, that we 



Age 66 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 351 

would refer to a copy of it herewith presented. We trust this 
may receive your very careful consideration before final action 
shall be taken on the resolution. 

On behalf of the above committee, 

Samuel Morris, 
Joseph S. Elkinton 

Philadelphia, Sixth month 5, 1896. 

A Memorial of the Representatives of the Yearly Meeting and 
Parts Adjacent.: 

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of 
Pennsylvania. 

Your memorialists respectfully represent that we have learned, 
with sorrow and anxiety, that a bill is now before the Legislature 
for the introduction of a military drill into the public school 
system of Pennsylvania ; and against this innovation we feel 
bound respectfully but earnestly to protest. 

First: Because we believe that all the advantages as regards 
physical development and habits of obedience claimed for such 
training may be attained by other and better methods. 

Second: Because the natural tendency of the proposed drill 
will be to impress the minds of growing boys with an admiration 
for the profession of arms and martial display, which already 
needs no stimulus. 

Third: Because its introduction into educational institutions 
would foster the false view which regards the rendering of mili- 
tary service as the highest test of patriotism. Such a sentiment 
tends to undervalue the services of those in the peaceful walks of 
life, whose love for their fellow-men is continually proven by 
acts of self-sacrifice for the good of others and devotion to the 
best interests of their country. 

Fourth: We hold that the true policy of republican institu- 
tions is eminently peaceful, and therefore adverse to warfare or 
the preparation for it. The real strength of our country consists, 
not in its readiness for meeting all possible contingencies by 
armed resistance, but in the intelligence, the virtue, the moral 
courage, and the God-fearing character of its people. It is by 
reason of the extent and completeness of the military systems of 
Europe that her peoples are to-day groaning under many and 



352 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1896 

grievous burdens. We deem it therefore most unwise for our 
own favored nation, in a time of profound peace, to enter upon a 
course that must lead us in the same direction, and invite the very- 
dangers which large armaments and navies are supposed to 
provide against. 

Fifth: Upon the coming of our blessed Saviour, a new dis- 
pensation to mankind was ushered in, with the angelic anthem, 
"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will 
toward men," and ages before it had been foretold by a prophet 
of the Most High that there would come a time when "men shall 
learn war no more." This happy period will be hastened or re- 
tarded by an acceptance or rejection, by nations as well as by in- 
dividuals, of the practical teachings of the Gospel. The Com- 
monwealth of Pennsylvania was founded in the faith that a 
Christian government can be administered on Christian principles, 
and it was successfully and safely carried on without a military 
organization, or the resort to military force for more than seventy 
years. If the peaceable spirit which then pervaded the com- 
munity were once more to prevail, there would be but little dispo- 
sition to favor such a measure as that now designed to be in- 
grafted on the laws of the state. 

Sixth: We believe one inevitable result of the proposed in- 
struction in military tactics would be a connection more or less 
direct and permanent between the War Department of the Gov- 
ernment and secular education as at present carried on by the 
state schools. These in our judgment should be preserved en- 
tirely distinct. 

Seventh: The public school system of Pennsylvania is an out- 
growth of the long experience and careful consideration of some 
of our best educators, and many of them are unfavorable to the 
introduction of the proposed drill as seriously interfering with 
the present complete course of instruction. 

Again, the maintenance of the schools is dependent upon taxes 
paid by the people of the state, all of whom are equally entitled 
to the benefits arising from them. But many of these patrons 
could not, consistently with their religious convictions, send their 
children to schools where military training is a part of the cur- 
riculum, nor could others, for a like reason, take positions as 
directors or teachers of schools. 



Age 66 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 353 

We, therefore, can but regard the purposes of the bill in ques- 
tion as inimical to the best interests of the state, unjust to a large 
number of its worthy citizens, and an infringement of the rights 
of conscience, so dear to the people of this Commonwealth. We 
trust that for these and other reasons it may not receive the 
sanction of the Legislature. 

By direction and on behalf of a meeting of the representatives 
aforesaid, held in Philadelphia, Third month 22, 1895. 

Joseph Walton, Clerk. 

Sixth month J. Went to the office of the Board of 
Education with a protest that was signed by Samuel 
Morris and myself, on behalf of a Committee of the 
Representatives of the Society of Friends, that was 
drawn up with the authorty of the committee last Sixth- 
day, which is as follows : 

Sixth month J. The work of visiting the Board of 
Education individually has been an exercising one, but I 
have my reward in the endeavor to promote the cause of 
peace and righteousness, and I trust not in my own will. 

Sixth month 13. Jonathan E. Rhoads and Ephraim 
Smth arrived at their respective homes early this morn- 
ing. I went to Ephraim Smith's immediately after break- 
fast and enjoyed the sight of him. He looked well, and 
reported Jonathan E. Rhoads the same. 

Seventh month 25. The last two days have been pretty 
steadily engaged in preparing for the mail the Address 
lately adopted in regard to the attitude of the professing 
Christian church on the subject of war. About 34,000 
have been mailed thus far to the ministers of other de- 
nominations, and some of the acknowledgments received 



354 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1896 

give evidence of acceptance and a willingness to assist 
in the distribution thereof. 

Eighth month 26. Attended Malvern meeting yester- 
day, where I had an offering to make, in the course of 
which I said: 'There is no other name under Heaven 
whereby we can be saved but by the name of Jesus Christ 
of Nazareth." It is true that it is by revelation that we 
are to know Him aright and through Divine openings 
that we can have a right insight into the glorious dis- 
pensation opened to us through what He did for us. 

Any ignoring of these fundamentals of the Christian 
religion tends to a spiritual deadness and very averse to 
having our lives hidden with Christ in God. God must 
be our all in all. Christ is to be worshipped with the 
Father. He is to be our Leader and Commander, and 
they who are to stand without fault in the great day of 
account are they who follow Him withersoever He is 
pleased to lead them. It is a precious privilege when at 
times our knees are ready to smite together for weakness 
and we can scarce do more than lift up our eyes, and 
say "God be merciful," and when permitted to mingle 
with our friends, or at times when alone, that we are 
favored with true retirement and our thoughts are upon 
heavenly things. To the natural mind such openings may 
seem simply imaginations, for eye hath not seen nor ear 
heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to 
know those things which He hath in store for thtfse who 
love Him. 



Age 66 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 355 

Eighth month 2f. At a special meeting of the Com- 
mittee on the Address regarding the attitude of Christian 
professors on the subject of war, statements were given 
concerning the distribution of 50,000 copies, and it was 
evident that 50,000 more would be required to cover the 
ground undertaken, as there were at least 40,000 more 
in the station of ministers who had not yet been furnished 
with copies, and it was proposed to send some to students 
in the colleges. 

Ninth month 2. I was cheered by the sight of my 
Malinda this morning, she having come in from Malvern, 
and looking the better for her visit. I feel it to be a 
cause of thankfulness to be thus gathered back to our 
homes. 

Ninth month 5. Forty years to-day since my Malinda 
and I were married, in the course of which time we have 
had considerable experience. On looking over the signers 
of our marriage certificate, about one-half of them have 
passed on to their everlasting reward. We have been 
allowed to be longer together than the average of married 
couples, and have had our mercies. May the protecting 
care of our Heavenly Father be continued. 

Tenth month 10. Called on a man who had made con- 
siderable research in Indian history, and he told me of 
an incident of a tribe of Indians in the west, who, hearing 
that the white men, east, had a great book that told of 
the works of the Great Spirit, and the way to be happy 
with Him after leaving this world, they deputed four of 



356 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1896 

their old men to go east and get that book. They pro- 
ceeded as far as St. Louis and asked for the book, as 
they were instructed to get it. They applied to some of 
the officials who, being Roman Catholics, put them off. 
They waited considerable time and two of their number 
died and were buried. The commander of the fort, or 
chief officer of the place, made them some presents, and 
when they were about to send the two remaining ones 
of the deputation off to the home of their tribe, one of 
them let it be known he was not quite prepared to go until 
he should be allowed to speak. The following is the 
address on behalf of the Flat Head Indians to General 
Clark at St. Louis, Mo. : 

"I came to you over a trail of many moons from the 
Setting Sun. You were the friend of my fathers who 
have all gone the long way. I came with one eye partly 
opened for more light for my people who sit in darkness. 
I go back with both eyes closed ; how can I go back blind 
to my people ? I made my way to you with strong arms, 
through many enemies and strange lands, that I might 
carry back much to them. I go back with both arms 
broken and empty. The two fathers who came with us, 
the braves of many winters and wars, we leave asleep 
here by your great water and wigwam. My people sent 
to get the white man's Book of Heaven. You took me 
where you allow your women to dance, as we do not 
ours, and the Book was not there. You took me where 
they worship the Great Spirit with candles and the Book 



Age 66 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 357 

was not there. You showed me the images of good spirits 
and pictures of the good land beyond, but the Book was 
not among them to tell the way. I am going back the long 
sad trail to my people in the dark land. You make my 
feet heavy with the burden of gifts, and my moccasins 
will grow old in carrying them, but the Book is not 
among them. When I will tell my people after one more 
snow in the big council that I did not bring the Book, no 
word will be spoken by our old men, nor by our young 
braves. One by one they will rise up and go out in 
silence. My people will die in darkness and they will 
go in the long path to the other hunting grounds. No 
white man will go with them and no white man's Book 
will make the way plain. I have no more words." 

The government clerk who wrote down this speech was 
met some time afterward by a man who had heard the 
story, but said he did not believe it, as he had traveled 
some distance in company with the two surviving Indians 
referred to, and they did not say anything about it. The 
government clerk said it was true, and he had the record 
with him, which he drew out of his pocket. This so 
affected the man that was inclined to doubt it that he 
said it ought to be given to the world, and the account 
of it reaching Massachusetts, it is said, was the occasion 
of missionaries being sent into the northwest. 

Tenth month 29. In our Monthly Meeting I felt a 
concern that had been more or less on my mind come 
into such a shape that I could lay it definitely before the 



358 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1896 

meeting. The prospect was to appoint meetings for 
Divine worship among the inhabitants of Chester and 
Lancaster counties, more particularly on the line of the 
railroads; also to visit some of the public institutions, 
and my mind was also turned towards one or more insti- 
tutions of learning. The meeting was united in liberating 
me for the service. 

Taken from the Peace Maker and Court of Arbitration, 
Eighth month, 1896: 

Relating to a meeting that was held under the auspices of the 
Universal Peace Union, when Hodgson Pratt, of London, Eng- 
land, gave an address which was well received. Several others 
also spoke, among whom was Joseph S. Elkinton, of Philadel- 
phia, who arose and said that as slavery and lotteries have given 
away before the Light of Christianity, so must the evils of intem- 
perance and war be banished in the fullness of time, not ours to 
say when. He adverted to Hodgson Pratt's statement of the 
unwillingness of some to receive the doctrine of Divine revela- 
tion, and asserted his faith that it is the office of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ to bring man into the state into which he 
was created, to a communion with his Maker ; that bodies coming 
together for righteous judgment upon the affairs of the nations 
were not to depend so much upon intellectual powers as upon 
Heavenly Wisdom, Divine Guidance. He was very glad to hear 
of that network Hodgson Pratt had mentioned spreading over 
Europe in the interest of peace, and if they are constrained to a 
righteous judgment, unquestionably it will be a blessing to the 
people at large. 

Tenth month jo. Went to Wilmington and attended 
meeting. In conversing with Jonathan E. Rhoads I 
found that he had spoken to a Friend about his mind 
being turned towards holding meetings in Lancaster and 
York counties. Of this I had no foreknowledge, and it 



Age 66 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 359 

was both congenial and confirming to me that we might 
work together. J. E. R. expects to lay the matter before 
his next Monthly Meeting. 

Eleventh month n. Went to West Chester, where I 
obtained permission to have a religious opportunity at 
the Normal school to-morrow morning at 8.30, and at 
the jail from 10 to 11 o'clock. Jonathan E. Rhoads 
joined me, and we went this evening to our meeting, 
previously appointed at the Tattersal building. About five 
hundred people were in attendance. Some very plain doc- 
trine was put forth in regard to the divinity and exalta- 
tion of the kingdom of Christ. As we walked home from 
the meeting with William P. Townsend, J. E. R. said to 
him: "When Joseph speaks first, he puts forth the 
thoughts of my mind," which, Joseph hearing, replied: 
"And then Jonathan, after the points have been stated, 
develops them before the people and tells them what full- 
ness there is in them." 

Eleventh month 12. We had a precious meeting at 
the Normal school and an engagement at the county 
poorhouse at 2 P. M. 

Eleventh month 22. A letter received from my dear 
wife expressed the trust that the "Will of the Master 
may be prospered in the labor of love He designed in 
this service." 

Eleventh month 23. Arrived at Colora, and the loca- 
tion of the meeting to be held this afternoon is about 
seven miles from here, which I understand to be the 



360 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1897 

neighborhood and meeting place where John Churchman 
belonged in his day, in Pennsylvania, near the state line. 
The bricks of the larger part of the houses were brought 
from England, and are rather larger than the usual size 
and in a much better state of preservation than some we 
see in the old walls of houses ; a part of the house, how- 
ever, is built of stone. The whole was capable of seating 
a large Quarterly Meeting. 

First month 5, 1897. Attended the funeral of William 
U. Ditzler, which was a large one. William U. Ditzler 
had the love of the people, and it was manifested by the 
representatives of character in our Society and others. 
The Mayor of our city was present, as also the Roman 
Catholic archbishop, or his representative, who said 
William U. Ditzler was a good man, and that the world 
had need of such men. 

First month 10. Upon my arrival at home this evening, 
after having attended the appointed meeting at Bird-in- 
Hand, I found Mary Holgate* very weak and in suffer- 
ing, and it seemed as if her end might be near. 

First month 25. Mary Holgate, having rallied again, 
I went this morning to Mount Joy to look after a few 
appointments that had been made and see if I might get 
one postponed, but on my return in the afternoon found 
that Mary Holgate had passed away about noon, which 
has ended the life of one who has left a good record, and 



*Mary Holgate was for years an acceptable member of the 
family. 



Age 67 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 361 

no doubt has now entered into the rest prepared for the 
people of God. 

First month 28. The funeral gathered to-day at 
Orange Street Meeting House at 2 o'clock, there not 
being quite so large an attendance as would have been 
on account of the severity of the weather. I could not 
go to the graveyard and get to Lancaster in time for the 
appointed meeting, which had been widely advertised to 
be held in the court house, and which I could hardly 
recall, so I proceeded to Lancaster, where I arrived in 
due season, and I do not remember a time when I was 
more supported in the service. 

First month 2p. When I arrived home to-day a tele- 
gram awaited me, informing us of the death of our aunt, 
Anna M. Edgerton. She was the widow of my wife's 
great uncle, Joseph Edgerton, and she was a lovely, 
sweet-spirited character. 

Second month 6. Went to Harrisburg, where I en- 
gaged a cab, and told the driver to take me to the Mes- 
siah Benevolent Home to see Henry Davidson. "To the 
bishop's you mean," said he. "Yes," I said, "to Bishop 
Henry Davidson's." So off we went and came to a stop 
in front of a sizable building on top of a hill. I had 
been told the "home" was on top of the hill, but did not 
expect to see such an institution as that, but up the steps 
I went and rang the bell, which a pleasant-looking woman 
finally answered. I asked for Henry Davidson. She 
said: "Do you wish to see the bishop?" "Yes," said I. 



362 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1897 

I was then shown into the reception room. Oh! me! 
thought I, have the bishops of the River Brethren come 
to all this imagery. What is coming next ? But in comes 
a pretty neat-looking white-haired man, with a cape all 
embroidered and a gold chain around his neck, with a 
gold cross in front. I said, "Is this Henry Davidson, 
bishop of the River Brethren?" "My dear sir," said he, 
"I am the Roman Catholic bishop." I then said, "Please 
allow me to read in my notebook the address, or tell me 
how to find the Messiah Benevolent Home?" "Come 
into the library," said he, "and you will have more light," 
and lighted up it was, and such a library one does not 
often see. A great chair was offered me, and I sat down. 
He alluded to the large fire we had in Philadelphia, and 
I spoke of the fire at the capitol, telling him that I thought 
a great deal went on inside the capitol buildings that was 
not for the best, and I hoped the people would take a 
sober view of the burning of it. He told me that $75,000 
had lately been spent in decorating, but he felt the effect 
of it on the public mind was disastrous. He also con- 
versed with me on some other crying evils and gave me a 
pamphlet, put out as an answer to Robert Ingersol's 
lecture on the "Mistakes of Moses." I promised to send 
him the addresses put out by our Quarterly Meeting and 
the Meeting for Sufferings. I related to him some of the 
conversation I had with Archbishop Ryan and Nicholas 
Cantrell. He said he was with "Father" Cantrell some 
thirty years ago, and I told him that I lived near him at 



Age 67 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 363 

that time on Second street. The bishop was a model of 
courtesy, but never told me that the place I wanted to 
find was very close to his palatial residence, so I had to 
ride back to the depot and get some one else to show me, 
as it was too dark for me to prospect alone. But I was 
set straight and reached my destination finally, and 
receiving an invitation from Bishop Davidson and his 
wife to remain over night, I accepted. They wished me 
to advise them about starting a benevolent missionary 
institution in Philadelphia. I endeavored to satisfy them 
without committing myself to much extent. Their 
daughter is a talented young woman, knows three or 
four languages, but has foreign missions much on her 
mind. The next morning we had a religious opportunity, 
and they both evinced a righteous concern that I might be 
supported in the work I had been engaged in and am still 
prosecuting. I was shown through the house, and there 
seems to have been a good work started in it. 

Second month 18. When in Marietta I was informed 
of the funeral of a young man, which I felt best satisfied 
to attend. After the funeral, as I was walking along 
the street a little boy said to me, "What are you doing?" 
I replied, "Visiting the people, little folks and big ones." 
"Why," said he, "the people are all dead." A pretty 
close speech, but I suppose the boy was impressed with 
what he had heard and seen, and there have been many 
deaths in this locality of late. i\t one place near here I 



364 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 



1897 



was told that father, mother and son died within a few 
days of each other. 

Second month 26. I gave my report to the Monthly 
Meeting that I had finished the service expressed in the 
minute granted me in the Tenth month, and had been 
favored with the company of Jonathan E. Rhoads at 
nearly all of the meetings attended in Chester county; 
but, on entering Lancaster county his health gave way, 
and it was not thought wise for him to proceed. We 
commenced at West Chester, holding a public meeting 
there and visiting public institutions. We then visited 
Lincoln, Millersville and Lititz. The visits were received 
with cheerfulness. We made our homes at places that 
served as central points, from which meetings could be 
reached within an hour's ride, and we met with much 
kindness and openness. Elhannan Zook was with me 
at some of the meetings. A Friend accompanied me to 
the meeting at Lancaster court house and the prison, and 
offered to go further ; but, as I proceeded to western part 
of Lancaster county there, was such fearful sickness pre- 
vailing, and the death rate so great, that I shrank from 
asking any one to share the risk. 

There was tenderness manifested amongst the Mora- 
vians, Mennonites, River Brethren, United Brethren and 
German Baptists, and the meetings were largely attended, 
frequently to the capacity of their meeting houses, not- 
withstanding the sickness prevailing, which caused a feel- 



Age 67 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 365 

ing of seriousness in keeping with the gravity of the 
situation of the community. 

I attended several funerals, one of which I considered 
one of the most remarkable occasions in my life. About 
five hundred people were in attendance, and I felt the 
ministers were helped from on high in a remarkable 
manner. I considered the accommodations for prisoners 
at Lancaster behind the age, but they had a moral in- 
structor or chaplain, who was adapted to the work, and 
had an influence for good with the prisoners. Tender- 
ness was manifested by those prisoners that I visited, 
who had either taken or attempted to take life. I felt 
I had cause to commemorate the goodness of the Lord 
for the measure of preservation and support given, and 
was confirmed in the conviction that those whose minds 
were stayed on Him would be kept in peace, and was 
encouraged to hope that when years increased and the 
powers of mind and body might fail, those with whom I 
have been associated through life with myself might not 
be forsaken. 

Third month J. Brother Thomas has not been well, 
and it is very afTecting to me to see him so touched. We 
have to look pretty seriously now as to who will have 
charge of the business in a little while. Brother Thomas 
and Ephraim and myself will go off the stage of life 
pretty nearly together. We have had our favors and 
mercies and, with all our trials, have been watched over 
for good; and I crave for the continuance of the pre- 



366 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1897 

serving power that we may be favored with best wisdom 
in our movements. We finally look to our son William 
as the probable financier of our firm, and he has good 
qualifications for business, but must be properly sup- 
ported or he will not be equal to the charge. Son Alfred 
is a good mechanic. Son Joseph is a good chemist. 

Third month 10. Had a very satisfactory interview 
with brother Thomas. He seems in a tender and reason- 
able frame of mind, disposed to look at things in a sober 
and thoughtful light. I am in great sympathy with my 
son William in the charge he has to carry, but I hope 
he may be favored with a measure of Heavenly wisdom 
and support; and as I have said to him, I have prayed 
for the preservation of the business. There are six 
families to be supported by it, but we have received our 
favors of the Lord and have encouragement to trust Him. 

Fifth month 29. Last evening I attended a meeting at 
Wrightsville with Jonathan E. Rhoads, where there was 
a large representation of young people, and it seemed 
as if the young women and girls had thought it was 
decoration evening — the roses and flowers that adorned 
their hats would take a woman to describe; such a gay- 
looking assembly I have hardly seen equalled. After the 
meeting settled, our thoughts were turned more to what 
was under the hats than to what the hats were covered 
with, and the feeling that souls were precious possessed 
our minds. J. E. R. rose the second time and addressed 
the young people in a tender manner, the drift of his 



Age 67 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 367 

concern being that they might not be conformed to the 
world but transformed in the spirit of their mind. He 
also spoke of the offices of the Saviour. I also had free- 
dom in expressing what I had to offer. 

Fifth month 30. A man met me on the street after 
the meeting and said : 'Have you a book of your ser- 
mons that you could let me have?" "No," I told him, 
"but if he wanted a book stating the principles of Truth 
as held by the Society of Friends, to which I belonged, 
I would furnish him with a copy." 

Sixth month 2. Was informed that President McKin- 
ley was to be at the opening of the Philadelphia Museum, 
on Fourth street, below Walnut, in the building formerly 
occupied by the Pennsylvania Railroad offices. I felt 
quite disposed to avail myself of the opportunity to speak 
to the head officer of our Republic. I was introduced to 
him by Justice Strawbridge, and we shook each other's 
hands with a warmth of feeling. I said to him, "Thou 
hast the prayers of many for thy support." He re- 
sponded, "Thank you." I added, "Thou needs more than 
human help; thou hast had of the Divine influence, and 
it will be continued to thee." He again said, "Thank 
you." After the interview I retired to another room and 
from a window saw the President enter his carriage, 
accompanied by Mayor Warwick, Doctor Pepper and 
another. I was afterward told that the President said 
to Justice Strawbridge that I had a good face and he 
appreciated what I said to him. 



368 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1897 

Sixth month jo. This afternoon I attended the com- 
mencement exercises of the Colored Institute at Asso- 
ciation Hall, which was filled, about one thousand being 
present. The exercises of the graduates showed a great 
deal of care and thought in their preparation. iVfter 
one or two had addressed the graduates I was allowed 
to speak. I stated that I was impressed with the scene 
before me and compared it with what existed in our city 
years ago. It was encouraging to think of the efforts 
that had been successfully made for the improvement of 
their people, and of the co-operation of these disposed 
to take advantage of their opportunities in this part of 
the land, and it was marvelous the change that had taken 
place, and what wonders God had wrought. It was the 
light of Christianity that operated upon the heart of 
William Penn and induced him to give up what he might 
enjoy in "court" life to bear witness to the offering on 
Calvary, putting man in a capacity for salvation by co- 
operating with the spirit of Grace and Truth that came 
by Jesus Christ, and to plant a colony here where men 
might worship God according to the dictates of their 
own conscience, the benefit of which we are enjoying in 
religious toleration. 

It was the light of Christianity that raised the question 
in the heart of Francis Daniel Pastorius as to whether 
it was right to buy and sell humanity ; it was the light of 
Christianity upon the mind of John Woolman that made 
him such an advocate for the freedom of the colored 



Age 67 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 369 

man; it was the light of Christianity that had induced 
Anthony Benezet, who could have moved among princes, 
to start a school for the colored people in this city and 
lead such a life that a soldier said at his grave, that he 
would rather be Anthony Benezet in that coffin than 
George Washington in all his glory. I did not want them 
to think that slavery existed only between the races ; it 
had its root in the love of power and was exerted in 
different lands in different ages, but through the light of 
Christianity it had largely been abolished in this land, 
and intemperance and other evils must give way before 
that light and power. 

I wished them to be impressed with the importance of 
being faithful to the openings they might be favored with 
in early life and to stand steadfast to their principles that 
the concerns which might arise in their minds might be 
signally blessed to generations after them. Our part was 
to serve our generation through Holy help according to 
the Divine will, that we might be prepared to join that 
throng who could say that the kingdoms of this world 
were to become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ. 

Seventh month p. The meeting to-day at Arch Street 
was a precious one. There was a feeling of sweetness 
in our gathering together, and the thoughts were in the 
right channel, as being in the secret of the Lord's pres- 
ence, or in his holy hand and thinking upon his great 
name. When time came to close, I do not know that I 
ever felt more loth to break meeting. 



370 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1897 

Eighth month 27. Having felt the need of a change or 
a little sojourn in the sea air, on the 20th I took a trip 
to Conanicut Island, where I remained a few days, and 
in the meantime attended the meeting there, held in an 
old meeting-house, said to be one hundred and seventy- 
five years old, and nicely situated. There were about 
twenty-six gathered there on this occasion. From Conan- 
icut I went to Providence, and made a few visits in 
Rhode Island, and thence to New Bedford, and on to 
Boston, calling on Joseph and Gertrude Cartland in New- 
buryport before returning home on the 26th. 

Eleventh month 25. We had a large meeting at Arch 
Street, after which we gathered at our home, our three 
sons and their families, making sixteen present of the 
name of Elkinton. 

The following is from a letter that I sent to President 
McKinley : 

Philadelphia, Twelfth month 18, 1897. 
William McKinley. 

Beloved President: From many whose thoughts are turned 
towards thee there are many tokens doubtless communicated of 
sympathy and affection, expressive of sorrowing with thee in thy 
sorrow, with petitions for thy support in affliction, as also for thy 
support in thy weighty responsibilities. With the many whose 
thoughts are turned toward what is passing at Canton, we will 
trust it will be in reverence, awaiting the pleasure of our Heav- 
enly Father as to whether thy honored mother shall be removed 
at this time from works to rewards, or whether she may be con- 
tinued a little longer for the perfecting of the Divine purpose, 
not only as it may concern herself but for the solemnizing effect 
upon the feelings of the people at large. ... As I have 
watched thy course in the last ten years or more, I have felt that 



Age 67 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 371 

a blessing has attended thy labors, and that in good measure 
thou hast been serving thy generation according to the Divine 
will. May the Lord be with thee the remainder of thy days. 
No doubt if we wait on the Lord for the qualification to worship 
Him and to discharge our responsibilities aright, He will honor 
us with a sense of his secret presence and enable us to move 
before Him and before the people with acceptance. It has been 
cordial to my feelings to know of the affection thou hast mani- 
fested for thy mother during thy public life, and doubtless it 
was the case in earlier life. If I am correctly informed, thou 
hast a delicate wife, which has been my case for over forty 
years. She was a native of Belmont county, Ohio. I presume 
we can unite in the testimony that through the years of com- 
panionship that, notwithstanding the delicate frames of our com- 
panions, their judgment, as also their affection, has been blessed 
to us. May we all be watched over for good. I thought the 
language thou made use of in thy proclamation for a day of 
thanksgiving gave evidence that it was issued under a measure 
of right feeling; the spirit of it was good. My impression is, 
that there was more than an usual degree of solemnity with 
the gathering of the people that day. 

I have read thy message to Congress with interest. I am 
thankful for thy views on arbitration and, having been inter- 
ested in the welfare of the Indians, as my father before me, I 
will ask for their cause to be kindly considered. 

Sincerely, Joseph S. Elkinton. 

Twelfth month 21. Received a letter from the private 
secretary of the President, acknowledging mine with 
grateful thanks, as he expressed it, for the kindly sym- 
pathy contained in my letter. The mother of President 
McKinley died on the 19th, and his letter to me was 
dated the 20th. 

Twelfth month 24. Attended the funeral of Benjamin 
W. Passmore, which was a large one, although the day 
was cold and windy. A satisfactory solemnity overspread 



372 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1898 

the company. I felt that he was a man in whom the 
spirit of the Lord was, and one who has left a seal in 
the hearts of many. 

First month 3, 1898. Having an engagement with 
Jacob Naylor, I was requested to meet him in the rooms 
of the Union League, where I had never been before. I 
also met Thomas Gillespie there, who showed me most 
of the rooms, including the library, which seemed very 
nicely arranged, and, I trust, for good. I understood 
J. N. to say eleven hundred people visited the rooms on 
the 1st inst. I saw some men there who were of marked 
character, and I trust they will use their influence for 
some needed reforms. 

First month 2J. In our Monthly Meeting I stated that 
I submitted for the consideration and judgment of the 
meeting a concern to visit in gospel love the meetings 
composing Burlington Quarterly Meeting; to visit some 
of the public institutions, and to appoint some meetings 
for Divine worship at large, as Truth might lead into 
and support. The meeting was united in liberating me 
for the service. 

Second month 15. Took train for Trenton, where I 
met Barton Thorn, who had come to go with me to see 
the Governor of New Jersey, with whom we had a very 
satisfactory interview, and I was introduced to a number 
of state senators and officials about the capitol. The 
buildings have been fitted out with an air of splendor 
that I think is more than best for a good example to the 



AgeG8 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 373 

citizens. The human mind is too much inclined to luxury. 
As I contemplated holding public meetings, in company 
with Jonathan E. Rhoads, in which there would, in all 
probability, be great plainness in which the Truth might 
be presented, especially on the subject of war, I thought 
it would be better to go to the head officials and tell them 
what I had in view in meeting with the people. 

The Governor was interested in reading my certificate, 
and said if he could help me in any way he was ready to 
do it. I was afterward told that, showing my certificate 
in the capitol had awakened quite an interest as being 
something new ; and the Governor remarked, after I 
withdrew, that it did one good to be called upon by some 
one who did not want an office. In the course of conver- 
sation I asked the Governor if he thought it a proper 
thing to ask for the use of the court houses for some of 
our meetings, or whether it would be better to obtain 
some other rooms or places, and as he gave me to under- 
stand that he apprehended the latter course would be 
preferable, I informed him that it would be pursued. I 
felt in my own mind that as we might speak on the trials 
of community, especially against war, that it might be 
better not to use the legislative halls, which might cause 
or provoke disturbance. 

Second month 23. Went by appointment to the Re- 
formatory at Jamesburg, New Jersey, and on the ap- 
proach to it I was impressed by the beauty of the situa- 
tion and the planning of the buildings. There are eight 



374 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1898 

hundred acres of land connected with the institution, 
and the farms, with the workshops, afford a field and 
opportunity for the development of the faculties in agri- 
culture, mechanical arts, carpentering, cabinet work, car- 
riage building, blacksmithing, shoemaking, brushmaking, 
etc., so much being carried on until it was marvelous to 
see what could be done by boys. There was also a green- 
house. We saw a boiler house and engineering room with 
dynamos, where light and heat were generated for the 
whole range of buildings. 

The students are divided into classes of about fifty 
each, for whose accommodation there is a separate 
building, with lodging-rooms, dining-rooms, schoolroom, 
together with rooms for the caretakers and their families. 
The whole establishment is a credit to the state, and the 
children in much better condition than they would be 
running loose. When we were gathered in the chapel, 
all were seated in good order, and Jonathan E. Rhoads 
and I had cause to be thankful for the opportunity 
afforded us to express our interest and concern for them. 
They were very attentive, and when the time came to 
close it was not an easy matter to do, as we seemed to 
be held. There was a marked solemnity under which 
there was an offering of thanksgiving and pleading for 
the continued extension of Divine mercy. The address 
which J. E. R. made to the officers was a very remark- 
able one. 

Third month 2. At the evening meeting, held at Bur- 



Age 68 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 375 

lington, X. J., I spoke on the subject of worship, and 
particularly on Christ within the hope of glory, and the 
reward or crown of the righteousness for those who 
really love his appearing. J. E. R. was also engaged in 
testimony, in the course of which he said it is a great 
weakness in the church-at-large of professing Christians 
that it does not bear a more faithful testimony against 
war, and it is a disgrace to Christianity to be making 
preparations for the destruction of the lives of our 
fellow-beings. I never heard stronger language put forth 
before the public; there certainly was no mincing of 
matters. I suppose if we had lived one hundred years 
ago we probably would have been arrested for such un- 
patriotic expressions as some would have considered 
them. 

Elizabeth C. Dunn followed in supplication, in an 
element of sweetness, the most crowning exercise I have 
heard her express. It had a most salutary effect. She 
prayed that our weak hearts might be strengthened to 
bear or receive the Truth ; that we might be blessed ; be 
blessed with forgiveness ; be blessed with preservation. 

Third month 16. While in Princeton I called on ex- 
President Cleveland, and had an interesting interview, 
in which I told him that I remembered he had given 
other Friends who were with me and myself a very fair 
hearing on an Indian matter, and whilst I wanted him to 
know that I appreciated it, I also wished to express my 
satisfaction in an article in the newspaper to the import 



376 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1898 

that he desired a peaceable settlement of the Cuban ques- 
tion, and that there should be no war over it. 

He responded that instances of acknowledgment or 
recognition of what I had first spoken of were rare. If 
evidences of public approval were specially looked for, it 
would be a thankless reward; it was the sense of doing 
right and of doing good that was the true reward, to 
which I replied that perseverance in the right way was 
likely to be remembered from on high. 

We conversed on Indian matters and then on the pres- 
ent crisis in which he seemed alive to the seriousness of 
the present outlook. He quoted General Sherman, who 
had said to him, "I detest war; war is hell; it is cruel." 
Cleveland said he would be glad if the administration 
could find some way out of the difficulty, for the occa- 
sions were exceedingly rare that war could not be 
avoided. I expressed my desire that he would continue 
to exercise his influence on the side of peace, and then 
addressed him in a religious manner; and we parted 
kindly, after I told him my mission and gave him my 
certificate to read. On my way out I met with the wife 
and children of Grover Cleveland, and had a pleasant 
little conversation with them. 

Third month 25. An essay on the disturbed condition 
between our government and that of Spain, prepared by 
a committee appointed to consider the subject, was 
adopted by our Meeting for Sufferings and referred back 
to the said committee to present a copy to the President, 



Age 68 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 377 

his Cabinet and members of Congress, and for such 
further distribution as they might deem advisable. I 
was pleased that the matter had seemed to make its way 
since I first opened it in a previous meeting to invite 
consideration. At the close of the meeting the committee 
met, and it was decided to have the memorial printed 
forthwith, and that a delegation should proceed with it 
to Washington next morning. Charles Rhoads, Samuel 
Morris and myself were appointed to the service. 

At Washington, after some detention, we were shown 
into the President's private room, where there were 
probably fifty people. Our cards had been sent up to 
the President previously. After a little we were shown 
into the Cabinet room, where we were taken by the hand, 
and the President said he recognized me and had me sit 
beside him and C. R. and S. M. close by. As the 
memorial was handed him, his eye caught the concluding 
paragraph in reference to the desire that pacific counsel 
should prevail. He said that was what he desired and 
hoped for, and that his application for assistance in 
feeding the suffering and starving people in Cuba had 
not been responded to as he had hoped, although more 
was now coming in. 

When he alluded to the desire for pacific counsel to 
prevail, I told him that he would have the sober part of 
community with him in that course, and spoke of the 
many petitions being in that direction, to which he made 
a kindly response. 



378 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1898 

Charles Rhoads and Samuel Morris also had somewhat 
to offer in a serious manner. We could hardly have 
asked for greater favors than were afforded us in our 
interview. When we withdrew the private secretary 
came out and congratulated us by saying we had made 
out well in that interview, and he was pleased to witness 
what passed. We thanked him for the service he had 
rendered us. We then visited the offices of the Attorney 
General and Secretary of the Navy, but they were both 
out. At the office of the Secretary of State we had a 
very interesting interview, and he entered into the subject 
of the horrors of war in a very open manner and said 
they were doing what they could to avert it. 

We again went to see the Attorney General, who was 
just going to the White House, but halted and gave us a 
brief interview. He also said they were trying to have 
things settled peacefully if it could be done consistent 
with the nation's honor. Called at the office of Secretary 
of Navy, and he sent word that he was sorry he could 
not see us, as he was due at the White House, and had 
to leave. We supposed there was some consultation 
going on with the President. The Secretary of War was 
out of town. 

Third month 28. To-day's "Ledger" gives quite an 
account of our visit to the President, and, aside from a 
few errors, it is a pretty good one, and it contains the 
pith of the memorial, which, I trust, will set other denom- 
inations to thinking what their duty may be in the line of 



Age 68 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 379 

bearing a testimony to the peaceable nature of the Re- 
deemer's Kingdom. 

Fourth month 26. In pursuing my religious work I 
visited the prison at New Brunswick, the sheriff arriving 
soon after I did; and, on going into the corridor, he 
called out to the prisoners that they might all come out 
of their cells into the corridor, for there was a visitor 
who had come to speak to them. One man called out, 
"Is he a good talker?" The sheriff responded that it 
might be supposed so, as the visitor had been in such 
places before. The sheriff let me have it all to myself, 
locked in the corridor with the prisoners all loose, but 
that did not disconcert me, and we had a satisfactory 
religious opportunity, and I was told I might come and 
visit them whenever I felt like it. 

Sixth month 23. In our Monthly Meeting I returned 
my minute granted me in the First month, and made my 
report in joint session as follows : Having been merci- 
fully sustained throughout the engagement undertaken, 
I had been enabled to complete it to the relief and peace 
of my mind. In the greater part of the service I was 
associated with Jonathan E. Rhoads, which I considered 
a special favor, because of the acceptance with which he 
had been enabled to set forth the principles of Truth 
before the people, and his capacity to enter into feeling 
with those in confinement and solitary places. In the 
latter class we found some whom we believed were near 
the kingdom and in a capacity to plead for the peace of 



380 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1898 

Jerusalem. The meetings of Burlington Quarterly Meet- 
ing had been visited, some of them more than once ; and 
nearly all the prisons and almshouses in ten of the coun- 
ties of New Jersey, and a number of hospitals, religious 
opportunities having been allowed either in the chapels, 
assembly rooms, corridors, or from cell to cell, or from 
bed to bed. 

Lest the nature of the visit might be misunderstood 
and what might be offered in public meetings be mis- 
represented to those in authority, it was thought advisable 
to have interviews with public men. There were several 
interviews with the Governor of New Jersey, as also 
with the ex-President Cleveland and with sheriffs of trie 
counties. Public meetings had been held at principal 
points along the leading railroads, and there were no 
opportunities denied us where applications for such were 
made. 

A precious meeting was held in one place where that 
day one thousand men started off for war, and there 
were fifty thousand spectators, yet it was evident there 
were those who were disposed to gather into the quiet 
habitation. I doubt if there has ever been in our memory 
more of those, not only in the station of ministers and 
those in authority, but of the sober, thoughtful class of 
the community, who secretly believed that the honor of 
the nation was not to be promoted by force. 

J. E. Rhoads supplemented my report by saying that 
on his errand he felt it to be an illustration of the benefit 



Age 68 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 381 

of our order and manner of proceeding with religious 
concerns, and that this had been prosecuted on right 
grounds. 

The report was accepted as being satisfactory. Before 
the meetings separated I offered a petition that we might 
be cared for in this our day and generation ; to be favored 
to know and keep our places, and whilst not overstretch- 
ing our stature, yet not to shrink from baptism or make 
pathways around the fire, but be kept in reverence, either 
in reverently waiting upon the Lord, seeking to know of 
his will or moving at his bidding; that there might be 
more of those who would be found crying unto the Lord ; 
that the Spirit of wisdom and understanding in the 
Lord's holy fear should imbue the hearts of those in 
authority throughout the land. 

After this supplication a minute was made by the clerk 
that after a solemnizing opportunity women Friends 
withdrew. 

Eighth month 18. Having seen in the newspaper that 
a number of returned soldiers were in the naval asylum, 
I went there and obtained permission to go into the hos- 
pital, but saw only a few cases. One was a pleasing, 
well-behaved young man, who seemed interested ; and, 
after obtaining liberty from the physician in charge, 
showed me into the wards, where things were in good 
order and quietness prevailed. My principal service, 
however, seemed to be with one in charge of the wards, 
who was possessed with a measure of right feeling. The 



382 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1898 

department for old sailors, as a home, is well kept, and 
the institution might be considered a credit to the govern- 
ment, so far as comfort and cleanliness are concerned. 



CHAPTER XIII. 
Doukhobor Migration. 

Twelfth month 29. I requested a joint session until I 
should open a concern on my mind to meet the Douk- 
hobors who, I had been informed, had sailed from 
Batoum and were due at Halifax about the 12th of the 
coming month. I wished to hold myself open for such 
religious service as might be called for with that perse- 
cuted people, or in the neighborhood of their landing. 
They are expected to stop at Halifax for a bill of health 
and then proceed to St. John, where they are to take 
train to Winnepeg, arrangements having been made with 
the proper authorities to this effect. I did not know 
what detention might be encountered in this service, nor 
very definitely what service might be required at my 
hands, so I thought it most prudent to have a minute so 
that I could appoint meetings, either among the Douk- 
hobors or others among whom my lot might be cast. 
After much consideration a minute was granted. 

First month 1, 1899. A cold, windy day, and our meet- 
ing this morning was small. I do not know that I ever 
had my feelings more enlisted on behalf of the young 
and rising generation. 

First month 5. Left home this evening for Boston, 

383 



384 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1399 

where I hope to be joined by Job S. Gidley, and to pro- 
ceed to Halifax to meet the steamships Lake Huron and 
Lake Superior carrying the Doukhobors from Batoum. 

First month 8. Arrived at Halifax in company with 
Job S. Gidley, who met me in Boston, and we have com- 
fortable quarters in the Halifax Hotel. We have been 
down to visit the emigrant buildings, and were cour- 
teously received in the office, and also introduced to the 
matron in charge. The main building was about five 
hundred feet long and sixty feet wide, the lower story 
of which was occupied by the offices and the reception 
room, with the railroad tracks on one side so that the 
cars could be loaded direct from the room. This room 
had seats in it and a restaurant that furnished meals at 
a moderate price. There was a large baggage room in 
a separate building. In the second story of the large 
building were the matron's private rooms, and, in addi- 
tion to a large living room, were a number of rooms with 
such appointments that it might be called a well- furnished 
hospital in good order. There were a few immigrant 
patients in the rooms. 

There being no trains going out from Halifax on 
First-days, the building was pretty well filled with those 
who had arrived the previous day, and gave us an oppor- 
tunity to have some religious service with them, after 
which we returned to the hotel. Had an interview with 
I. S. DeWolf, who told me he had a letter from the 
manager of the Beaver line in Montreal, to allow myself 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 385 

and companion to go on board the steamships Lake Huron 
and Lake Superior and have a passage on them from 
Halifax to St. John. I also had letters from D. W. Camp- 
bell, the general manager at Montreal, addressed to Cap- 
tain Evans, of the Lake Huron, and Captain Taylor, of 
the Lake Superior, to furnish me with passage and good 
accommodations. As all the vessels coming in had been 
behind time, it was calculated by those of experience that 
the Lake Huron would not be in for nearly a week. 

First month 12. Still no tidings of the Lake Huron, 
and Job B. Gidley and I have spent the past few days in 
visiting Yarmouth and Dartmouth,* in the latter place 
meeting with the mayor, visiting the schools and having 
some religious opportunities. 

First month 13. This morning we were called upon by 
Prince Hillkoff and we had an exceedingly interesting 
interview. He is about forty-two years of age and has a 
heavy beard ; but what we could see of his face had a 
sweet and tender expression in keeping with his conver- 
sation, mild and gentle. The relation of his experience 
was most touching. I have seen Job S. Gidley face some 
stern things, but he was nearly overcome with that narra- 
tive. In the course of conversation Prince Hillkoff said 
the Society of Friends could not do a better thing than 
give the Doukhobors a translation of Barclay's Apology 
in the Russian language. He had a copy given him by 
John Bellows, and said there the whole matter is laid 
down plain. 



386 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1899 

First month 14. This afternoon quite a council of offi- 
cials convened in the reading room of the Halifax Hotel, 
with whom we met : James Smart, the deputy minister of 
the interior from Winnepeg; W. J. White, the immigra- 
tion agent from Montreal; Prince HillkofY; Dr. Ingalls, 
from Winnepeg ; Dr. Montizambert, superior of all quar- 
antine agencies, from Ottawa; T. S. DeWolf, the agent 
of the Beaver line, and two or three more. Most of these 
men expect to sail on the Lake Huron to St. John, where 
there is a committee of twelve to welcome the Doukho- 
bors and assist in the transition to the cars. During the 
evening a number of us were engaged in interesting con- 
versation, in the course of which Dr. Montizambert told 
how he had been impressed in witnessing the death scenes 
of the religious and irreligious ; how the unbelievers 
would be in agony of spirit and in great fear, whilst the 
righteous retain sweetness and quietness. They that 
have seen what I have — the unbelievers approaching their 
end in terror and believers having had no fear of death — 
must believe there is something in religion. "Yes," said 
James Smart, "I believe in religion." These were striking 
testimonies, and surely a port physician, whose place is 
to go amongst all kinds of disease, has unusual opportuni- 
ties of observation; and what a favor it is to have men 
in appointment that are righteous men themselves and 
bear testimony to the power of religion ! We conversed 
by the fireside until twelve o'clock, when the lights went 
out and we retired. 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 387 

First month 18. This evening there was still an en- 
largement to the immigration circle in the reading room, 
and it proved a very satisfactory occasion, the conversa- 
tion being on serious subjects and the providence there 
might be in the representatives of the different provinces 
thus being brought together, and several have expressed 
their satisfaction in our being with them. 
• First month 20. Dr. Ingalls, the representative from 
Winnepeg, thought that he must take the morning train 
for home, and conversed on the subject with Job S. 
Gidley; but the latter preached resignation, which, being 
in keeping with the prevailing sense of the circle, the 
doctor subsided. The deputy minister of the interior has 
expressed his determination to stay, saying he will follow 
the example of the Friends. He told me last evening 
that the railroad company had already been paid the 
passage money from St. John, and that the government 
had allowed five thousand dollars for the benefit of the 
immigrants after their arrival at their destination, and 
there was a discretion given to draw on the government 
funds for ten thousand dollars more, if necessary. There 
has been nothing, he said, in the history of Canada that 
had awakened such general interest and they had en- 
deavored to keep it up by articles given to the press. 

This afternoon, about 2 P. M., word was received that 
the Lake Huron was signaled, which was a great relief. 
T. S. DeWolf came to tell us of the arrangement for us 
to go down on the steam tug following the boat with the 



388 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1899 

quarantine officials. As we approached and came up 
opposite the windward side, it was a wonderful sight ; the 
children in the front and the length of the ship on both 
decks made one imposing sight. Most of them had on 
sheepskin coats with the wool inside, the girls in front 
of the women and the boys in front of the men ; and all 
joined in a subdued but melodious and distinct tone in 
chanting words which Prince Hillkoff afterward trans- 
lated for me. It was a very affecting scene, and the 
spirit of thanksgiving and prayer covered my mind. Job 
S. Gidley broke forth with the salutation in a clear strong 
voice, "Welcome Doukhobors." It was called out by one 
of the quarantine officials that Prince Hillkoff and his 
staff and the deputy minister might come on board and 
none others. Being given to understand that J. S. G. and 
I were considered of the deputy minister's staff, we were 
not slow in availing ourselves of the opportunity. With 
the continued feeling of the spirit of prayer, together 
with heartfelt gratitude that the life of Captain Evans 
had been preserved through all, I gave expression on the 
bended knee to my exercise. The report in the Halifax 
Herald stated that "Prince Hillkoff and the two Friends 
were the centre of an animated group. Prince Hillkoff 
was impetuously kissed by the Doukhobors. This exhi- 
bition of exuberance of joy lasted but a few moments, for 
their heads were uncovered and the voice of J. S. Elkin- 
ton was heard in prayer, giving thanks for continued 
mercies in earnest tones. The Psalm singing ceased when 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 389 

the prayer began to ascend to the Throne of Grace." 
The translation of their offering in chorus, given me by 
Prince Hillkoff is as follows : 

"Know all men. God is with us. He has carried us 
through. We uplift our voice and sing his praise. Let 
all people hear and join us in our praise of the Almighty. 
They that planned our ruin did not succeed. We never 
feared them because God was with us and gave us 
strength. Our Lord has strength to save us ; why should 
we fear ? They that put their trust in him are never for- 
saken. They that do not know Him now shall know 
Him hereafter. The Light shines in the darkness and 
will dispel it." 

I felt that if I ever heard the voice of thanksgiving 
and melody from human lips, I did on that notable 
occasion. 

The time on board was short before orders were given 
for all visitors except quarantine officers to go on shore. 
I had a little interview with Captain Evans, and gave him 
my letter addressed to him and requesting that I should 
be granted a passage from Halifax to St. John. Dr. 
Montezambert did not think there was sufficient cause 
to justify the detention of the vessel. There had been 
one case of measles that had been isolated with its 
parents and ten deaths, chiefly among very young chil- 
dren and old people from ordinary causes, and one birth 
on the passage. There were about two thousand passen- 
gers on board. 



390 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1899 

First month 21. About 4 P. M. the summons came, 
and we gathered up our baggage and made our way to 
the landing at quarantine. The passengers had not nearly 
all returned to the vessel. A large number were on the 
docks and some coming down the hill. 

First month 22. First-day. The day was spent in 
religious opportunities with groups of the Doukhobors 
and in listening to some of their expressions, Prince 
Hillkoff interpreting and making way for me. J. S. G. 
became a pronounced case of seasickness and had to 
retreat. In one case a response was made by an old man, 
who said I reminded him of the visit of two Friends in 
Russia in the year 1818. I told him they were Stephen 
Grellett and Daniel Wheeler; I had seen them both. "I 
saw them, I saw them," he said, "and now I see you as 
another messenger from the Lord." 

First month 23. Many reported seasick. I am glad 
that I was able to go amongst the people yesterday, for I 
had to make a hasty departure from the breakfast table 
this morning, but able to be out again by noon. Eleven 
marriages are reported. We pulled up aside of the dock 
at St. John about 4 P. M., and it seemed as if there were 
thousands to greet us. Disembarkation commenced, there 
being two hundred and fifty tons of baggage and two 
thousand and eighty-four people. The Doukhobors 
"worked like beavers" in getting their baggage, etc., 
unloaded and again loaded on the cars; but to get the 
freight train of fifteen cars and five passenger trains all 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 391 

off in good shape was an exercise. The officials seemed 
equal to their position, and Job S. Gidley and I stayed 
and watched them get under way until the fourth train 
had started, when we felt it most prudent to retire, as 
it was then 3.30 A. M. and only one train more to get 
off, on which Prince Hillkoff was going. There was a 
committee Of women on hand to look after the comfort 
of the Doukhobor women and children, giving the latter 
little bags of cakes, candy, doughnuts and oranges. 

First month 2j. The day was spent in visiting the 
general city hospital — the asylum for insane and a few 
calls on officials and others we knew to be interested in 
the Doukhobors. 

First month 26. Crossed the Bay of Fundy to Digby, 
where we visited William England and wife. 

First month 2J. Arrived at our quarters in the Halifax 
Hotel and found our friend, T. S. DeYVolf, who was 
interested in our account of our experience with the 
Doukhobors on the passage to St. John and seeing them 
started on the trains. 

The Lake Superior arrived so late in the day that it is 
not known when she will start again, so we must wait 
until morning for our summons. Returning to the hotel 
after a trip to Halifax on the Beaver line we met with 
several officials, who announced that the steamship Lake 
Superior had smallpox on board and was to be quar- 
antined, and there was no probability of any visitors 
being allowed. The case of smallpox had proved fatal, 



392 JOSEPH S. EIvKINTON 1899 

and six other deaths from various causes. Prince Hill- 
koff and William White had come on from Ottawa, and, 
under the circumstances, were going to return or go to 
Winnepeg in the morning. This is a great disappoint- 
ment. J. S. G. and I have consulted, and we will prob- 
ably return home and await notification of the time the 
Lake Superior will be out of quarantine. 

First month 28. Prince HillkorT and William White 
were on the same train with us, and the day was spent 
in religious conversation with Prince HillkofT until we 
separated, J. S. G. and I taking a sleeping-car for Boston, 
and the others one for Ottawa and Winnepeg. 

Second month ij. Received a telegram this morning, 
stating that the steamship Superior will be released from 
quarantine on the 17th. 

Second month 14. A very heavy snowstorm continues ; 
all railroads are reported to be blocked. I went to the 
railroad office in the Bourse and was told they were sell- 
ing no tickets and no trains would go out during the 
morning, but it was intimated that four locomotives and 
two passenger cars had started out with some of the 
officers on board. I returned home and had my valise 
packed, and made my way to the station, where I suc- 
ceeded in getting a ticket as far as Trenton, with the 
hope there would be a New York train to follow. Left 
for Trenton at 1.50 P. M. and arrived at 4.45, having a 
wonderful ride through the snow and huge drifts, through 
which a passage had been cut by the engines, plows and 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 393 

their forces of men. At 5.45 P. M. along came a New 
York train from Philadelphia, and it looked as if it had 
broken through a new path, worse than the one I came 
on. We found rather less snow after leaving Trenton, 
and arrived in Jersey City about 7.30, and have taken 
a train for Boston, where I hope to arrive to-morrow 
morning. 

Second month 16. Job S. Gidley joined me yesterday 
evening, and we are now on our way to Halifax. 

Second month If. Arrived at Halifax last evening, 
and at the hotel this morning we have met several who 
are interested in the Doukhobors and whom we saw on 
our previous trip. We went to the office of the Beaver 
line and were cordially welcomed by T. S. DeWolf, who 
introduced us to Captain Taylor, of the Lake Superior. 
He seems like a very pleasant man, and when I handed 
him my letter of introduction from D. W. Campbell he 
smiled and said he would try and make us comfortable, 
but could not promise good weather, and asked if I were 
a good sailor? I said I thought the weather would be 
about the same for me as for him, and with a little more 
pleasantry I withdrew so as not to detain him, as he had 
his clearance papers to get. William T. White strongly 
advises me to go with one trainload as far as Ottawa 
to see the deputy minister and minister of the interior, to 
consult with them regarding the best way to help the 
Doukhobors. He assures me of a free pass from St. 



394 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON i 8 99 

John to Ottawa and back to Montreal, which I have 
decided to accept 

Second month 18. Was notified yesterday afternoon 
that the tug was waiting, so we hastened on board, where 
we found some of the officials and Count Tolstoi's son. 
We heard that the city council had visited the Lake 
Superior in a body. We were not long in getting aboard 
the steamship and the gangplank was lifted, and we were 
heading for St. John. We visited around among the 
Doukhobors, holding religious opportunities with them 
much the same as on the previous voyage. Captain 
Taylor gave similar testimony to that of Captain Evans, 
of the order and good behavior of the passengers through- 
out the trip. Captain E. told us that he did not hear a 
quarrel or cross word on the way over, either among the 
people or the children. Once, after addressing about 
forty of their representative men, Serguis Tolstoi inter- 
preted their response to me as follows: "W T e trust in 
Christ; we thank Christ that He sends us men to visit 
us from the Society of Friends." Job S. Gidley's minis- 
terial engagements have impressed me that he had Divine 
help. 

Second month ig. We arrived at the landing stage at 
St. John near 4 P. M. The public were not admitted 
into the warehouse this time with the exception of the 
women's committee, who had provisions for the children. 
Job S. Gidley decided to take train for home on account 
of the illness of his wife, so I saw him off, and then 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 395 

returned to the vessel and found one trainload had been 
started. Had an interesting interview with the mayor, 
who was on hand ; also with the chief of police. Men 
and women worked prodigiously, and five trains were 
rilled with passengers and the sixth train with baggage 
by 2 A. M. In the car into which I have been invited are 
Captain Taylor, who goes to report to the general man- 
ager of the Beaver line at Montreal; Frank Pedley, 
superintendent; Sergius Tolstoi, Herbert Archer and 
William T. White. This car is fitted up for the officials 
and we have comfortable quarters. 

Second month 20. I spent considerable time in each of 
the passenger cars. On arrival at Ottawa, William T. 
White, Frank Pedley and I left the train and learned 
that all the preceding trains had passed through in good 
order. In passing through one of the trains on our way 
out I saw the milk, bread and cheese being eaten with a 
relish. Being pressed to partake, the cheese was found 
to be very good, and the bread did fairly well ; but I have 
no intention of sending to St. John for a supply for my 
family at home. In Ottawa I visited the government 
officials in their offices, also the controller of mounted 
police of the Northwestern territories. I was taken to 
the residence of the Governor General, which is situated 
in a beautiful tract of eighty acres, and I would call it 
a palace, but some called it a modest affair, and perhaps 
it is to royal eyes. As we drove under the archway an 
officer allowed us to enter the hall. Then there was 



396 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1809 

another, dressed as a soldier, to show us into the recep- 
tion room. There was one, of whom I asked if he was 
the Governor General, but he said "No." He tood my 
card and returned, saying the Governor General wanted 
to know the subject to be laid before him. I was taken 
and ushered into the private office, where I received a 
pleasant greeting and was given a full hearing by the 
Governor General, who appeared interested in all I had 
to say regarding the Doukhobors, and expressed his 
pleasure with the interview. I am told that when he goes 
down to open Parliament he goes in great state. I am 
thankful to say no official in Canada has declined seeing 
me with my hat on, although the hat had been described 
in the papers as unique. 

Second month 22. Arrived home about 8 P. M. 

Second month 23. A good meeting at Arch Street, and 
the business meeting was opened in joint session, in which 
I returned my minute granted in the Twelfth month, with 
a report of the service I had undertaken. 

Fifth month 7. I left home again, this time for Quebec 
to meet the third shipload of Doukhobors, expected to 
arrive on the steamship Lake Superior in a few days. 

Fifth month 8. Arrived at Quebec and, on going to 
the office of the Beaver line of steamships here, learned 
that the steamship Lake Superior was sighted last eve- 
ning, all in good health and expected here about noon 
to-morrow. The Lake Superior is supposed to have half 
a cargo of freight and ten hundred and thirty passengers, 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 397 

which are those Doukhobors who were sent to Cyprus, 
but the climate not agreeing with them there, they are 
coming to join their brethren in this country. Have met 
Herbert Archer, who has lately returned from the north- 
west where the Doukhobors are getting settled, and he 
says the houses they have built are of logs, thirty feet 
long, twenty feet wide, board roofs; two windows in 
each end, berths along the sides, a big stove in the middle 
and calculated to accommodate fifty or sixty persons. A 
goodly quantity of potatoes is reported to have been 
purchased by the government last fall for seed. It is 
expected the steamship Lake Huron will have left 
Batoum on the 7th of this month with two thousand 
more Doukhobors for Quebec. 

Fifth month io. It was a beautiful evening and, as 
we were promenading, a rocket from the vessel went up, 
and a response or salute by firing of a gun announced 
the vessel at hand. There was a feeble chant compared 
with the first heard on the Lake Huron, but still it could 
be heard, and there are not so many. It was very pleasant 
to be saluted by Captain Taylor. I said to an officer I 
desired to speak a few words, and queried whether it 
should be from the wharf or on the bridge. He an- 
swered, "On the bridge." So, when the gangplank was 
laid, an interpreter was sent on the bridge with me. 
There was a marked silence when I was through with 
my address and petition, and a very kindly response 
was made from the deck. It was about IIP. M. when 



398 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1899 

they began to unload the boat, and I thought it would have 
been more comfortable to have waited for daylight, but 
the trains were there waiting, so the business went on. 
William Bellows, who had come over with them, soon 
made himself known, with whom a pleasant acquaint- 
ance began. The passengers from Cyprus showed the 
effects of suffering on their countenances, and did not 
seem as strong physically as the others. As William 
Bellows decided to go on the first trainload, I concluded 
to keep him company as far as Ottawa, having a free 
pass, and thus had opportunity of mingling with the 
passengers. 

Fifth month II. While I was in the station at Ottawa 
the second train came in, which gave me an opportunity 
of passing through it before it started. None of the cars 
seemed cold and I had a pleasant time with some of the 
little boys. 

Fifth month 13. At 4.35 I took the train for Montreal, 

homeward bound, and after making a few visits by the 

way, arrived at home in time for tea this evening. 

At a Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, held Fifth 
month 25, 1899 : 

Joseph S. Elkinton informed us that with Divine permission 
and the approval of this meeting, he proposed to meet the steam- 
ship "Lake Huron" at Quebec in the course of the coming two 
weeks, with 2,300 of the persecuted Russians, and to proceed 
with these passengers to their destination in the Canadian Prov- 
inces. Also to hold religious meetings as might seem called 
for at his hands with the Doukhobors, or others among whom his 
lot might be cast, in Canada, in their settlements, or on the way 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 399 

going or coming. On considering this weighty engagement, 
much unity was expressed with this service and we liberate 
Joseph S. Elkinton to perform it in such heavenly wisdom as 
may be afforded, desiring that the Lord may answer it to his 
own praise. Joseph S. Elkinton is a minister in unity with us. 
From the Minutes. 

Thomas Elkinton, 
Anna Walton, Clerks. 
Ephraim Smith. Correspondent. 

Sixth month J. William Evans and I left Philadelphia 
yesterday on our journey to Canada, and arrived at 
Quebec this P. M. The steamship Lake Huron has not 
yet been heard from. 

Sixth month 7. The past few days were spent in 
visiting public institutions, Parliament Buildings, Young 
Men's Christian Association, where we had religious 
opportunities ; also visited some public officials. After 
dinner we packed up and went to the immigration land- 
ing, and a number of us arrived there about the same 
time ; among others Prince HillkofF, to whom we gave a 
warm greeting. As the afternoon was passing away, some 
one remarked the river was very rough with a strong 
east wind, and he did not think the vessel would be in 
to-day. But the next announcement was something more 
significant than rough waters and an east wind. A yellow 
flag was announced on the Lake Huron and a telegram 
from Dr. Montizambert to Frank Pedley read, "De- 
tained." Another telegram followed, 'Twenty-one days," 
and it did not take much of a prophet to interpret this 
as quarantine. We returned to the hotel for the 



400 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1899 

night, Prince Hillkoff promising to call in the morn- 
ing and report the situation more fully. It was finally 
decided that Prince Hillkoff, William Evans and myself 
start this evening for Winnepeg, stopping off at Mon- 
treal by the way. We learned before starting that there 
is one case of smallpox on board the Lake Huron — a 
child. The two Doukhobors, who came on with Prince 
Hillkoff to meet the ship, were allowed, after earnest 
pleadings, to go to their fellow-countrymen and remain 
in quarantine with them. William Evans and I drafted 
an address to them, which Prince Hillkoff kindly trans- 
lated and forwarded. We arrived at Winnepeg this 
morning. 

Sixth month 10. The trains to Yorkton only run on 
Seventh- and Third-days, so we will have a few days to 
spend in Winnepeg. 

Sixth month 13. Have met with Peter Jansen while 
in Winnepeg. 

We have left Winnepeg and are on our way to York- 
ton. We have been from home eleven days and not seen 
eleven Doukhobors until to-day, when we saw some 
working beside the railroad. They seemed to have a nice 
outfit, with special cars for cooking, dining and sleeping. 
On our arrival at Yorkton a large gathering awaited us, 
among them a goodly number of Doukhobors, some of 
whom seized our baggage and led us into the hotel nearby. 

Sixth month 14. As we came out of our rooms this 
morning onto the balcony a pretty sight met our eyes — 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 401 

about one hundred tents holding nearly one thousand 
of the Cyprus Doukhobors. Prince Hillkoff was holding 
a council with them regarding their getting settled on 
their lands. A telegram had kindly been sent here for 
the officials to see that Williams Evans and myself had 
suitable and comfortable outfits as well as conveyances 
and drivers provided for our trip through the Doukhobor 
villages. We have held a meeting with those here at 
Yorkton and had a very touching appeal made to us by the 
women that we endeavor to get their husbands and sons 
out of exile and transported to this country. William 
Evans answered by saying, "We will carry your message 
to our friends and do what we can to enable your friends 
and relatives to get to you." 

Sixth month 15. Prince Hillkoff showed us two topo- 
graphical maps that he has drawn us and informed us 
that we are to start to-morrow morning with an outfit 
that is complete for five days' journey. 

Sixth month 16. We started off this A. M. with two 
teams, one to a light-running wagon, in which were 
Prince Hillkoff and driver in front seat and William 
Evans and myself in back seat. The second was our 
baggage wagon, containing our baggage, a new tent 
with equipment, blankets, robes and provisions for men 
and beasts. One of the Doukhobors accompanied the 
driver on the second wagon. The mercury was about 
55°. The mosquitoes appeared before we pitched our 
tent for the night and were an innumerable company, 



402 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1899 

twenty to the square inch some one ventured to remark. 
We tied our heads up, but even then our faces and necks 
were swollen from their numerous attacks. This was 
an all-day onset and one of the worst of the season. We 
rode along pretty cheerfully until we came to a broken- 
down bridge, but we succeeded in getting safely over or 
through the stream. Later, in trying to get our baggage 
wagon out of a slough, I was thrown over into it. I had 
my dust coat on and came off better than might be ex- 
pected, and succeeded in showing the men a better way 
of getting the wagon out. One of the men remarked if 
I was down a little while before, I was top up now. 
After things were reloaded we proceeded until we came 
to another broken bridge, but none of us were willing to 
venture fording that stream, so drove along the bank 
through underbrush until finally we discovered another 
bridge, which we crossed and, to our joy, saw a house up 
on the bank. Here we were kindly received and informed 
we were six miles from the nearest Doukhobor village. 
We camped for the night. 

Having no sloughs to cross we made much better time 
and reached the Verigin settlement. Whilst the prince 
was engaged with the business men I found a small boy 
who could speak a little English, and we visited the tents. 
Thus we proceeded from settlement to settlement through 
a sparsely-settled country; during our visits at the vil- 
lages, Prince Hillkoff transacting business and giving 
advice to the men and we endeavoring to give sympathy 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 403 

and comfort to the afflicted and holding many precious 
religious opportunities in the homes and collectively. 
We visited the sick and made donations to particularly 
needy or suffering cases. Many little tokens of their 
workmanship were presented to us. 

Sixth month 21. We arrived at Yorkton about 6 P. M. 
last evening, and William Evans feels that he must start 
homeward this morning, but I do not feel clear to leave 
just yet. 

William Bellows is here and will accompany me 
through the colony of Doukhobors. A pleasant incident 
occurred this morning when a company of Doukhobors 
came to the hotel asking for a portion of the Russian 
Testaments that they understood had arrived, and Wil- 
liam Bellows had the satisfaction of handing them out. 

Sixth month 22. After some delay William Bellows 
and I started on our journey among the remaining vil- 
lages that had not been visited. Whilst it was in a 
different direction and over different trails, the experience 
was much the same as regards the traveling. When it 
came to lodgings they had a different plan from that 
which prevails in hotels and other places of entertain- 
ment. The bedstead was about three feet long and 
seven feet wide, and about four feet from the floor, so 
that we could put our things underneath if we chose to 
do so. Candles were not in use, but after sundown, 
which was about ten P. M., a piece of twisted paper was 
lighted and a stool placed in front of a corner of a shelf 



404 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1S99 

that had been fitted up with genuine kindness, and in I 
crawled and William Bellows, after me. 

Sixth month 2J. We have spent five days traveling 
among the Doukhobor settlements and are safely back 
at Yorkton. 

Sixth month 28. I have taken passage from Yorkton 
to Winnepeg. 

Seventh month 2. On arrival in Quebec went to the 
immigration building this morning and was kindly given 
the freedom of the house. 

Seventh month j. Dr. Montizambert came into the 
immigration building this morning and gave me a pleasant 
greeting. He said there had been no deaths from small- 
pox. Prince Hillkoff also came in. 

Had a pleasant sail down to the quarantine quarters 
and rode back on the boat with the Doukhobors who had 
been released. We approached the landing about 9 P. M. 
and were all safely landed. Feeling somewhat tired I did 
not wait to see them take the cars, but retired to my room. 

Seventh month 6. Took the train and in due season 
arrived in Montreal. As I was on my way to take the 
train for Ottawa a soldier was coming down the hill, 
somewhat under the influence of liquor, I judged, by his 
language and the way he reeled. As he was passing he 
drove into me with such a square blow in front that it 
was a wonder it did not knock me down or break my 
ribs, but my chest felt it for some time. The young man 
carrying my valise told him he ought to be ashamed of 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 405 

himself, whereupon he turned around and used very pro- 
fane language. I concluded to take no notice of the act 
and passed on my way. 

Seventh month 7. Having transacted some business 
with the officials here at Ottawa I believe I am now clear 
to leave these parts. 

Seventh month 16. Made visits at Bloomfield, Canada, 
New Bedford and Nantucket on my way home, arriving 
in Philadelphia this morning, going to Malvern to join 
my family after meeting. 

Seventh month 28. Made my report to the Monthly 
Meeting held in joint session, where I gave a somewhat 
detailed account of my trip to Canada. 

Tenth month 24. Left home in company with William 
B. Harvey to visit the Doukhobors in their respective 
villages in the Northwest. 

Twelfth month 29. At Winnepeg we had the offer of 
an interpreter to go with us to Yorkton through the 
villages of the north and south colonies. 

Tenth month 31. The train we took this morning was 
considerably late, and had four carloads of Doukhobors. 
We were joined by our interpreter, Frederick Leonhardt, 
who informed us that he had been married about a week. 
He speaks German, as well as Russian and English, and 
having made several journeys among the settlements, he 
is supposed to be conversant with the roads and trails. 
The train was considered too heavy, so two of the cars 
of Doukhobors were left at Portage La Prairie for 



406 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1899 

another engine. We held religious opportunities with 
the Doukhobors on board the train in groups. Our inter- 
preter told us he spent three months with the Douk- 
hobors and never saw a quarrel among the children and 
no breach of harmony among the older ones, which made 
a deep impression upon him. We have arrived at York- 
ton. 

Eleventh month i. After breakfast went to the ware- 
house and saw a lot of flour that had been bought by 
W. F. McCreary, and behold, there was the second 
shipment of goods from Philadelphia ; my next errand 
was with agent James Crerar about the distribution of 
goods. A telegram was received from W. F. McCreary 
to the import that the request for the exemption from 
duty on all the gifts from our friends would be granted, 
which is quite a boon. Our work is deeply exercising, 
but as the weather is fine we felt best satisfied to improve 
the opportunity and move on. 

Eleventh month 2. We arrived at the first Doukhobor 
village about noon, when we had dinner, using our own 
food, which was nicely set out for us in one of the 
Doukhobor houses. The village contained one hundred 
and forty-seven people, and we had touching interviews 
with some of them. Later, as we visited the villages, 
William B. Harvey would gather statistics as to their 
numbers and needs and condition, and I would visit the 
homes and be joined by W. B. H. when he had obtained 
his information. We were always most hospitably re- 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 407 

ceived and entertained. The children call me ''Grand- 
father/' and at the sight of me run around and call the 
other children to come. 

Eleventh month J. It was pretty dark when we ar- 
rived at the village Michailofka last evening, and lodged 
at Ivan Ivan's, who was one of the first to come over 
to select the spot for settlement. Whilst at supper word 
went forth and we had a full house. 

Eleventh month 8. Daylight showed us a row of six 
houses in course of construction along the street. We 
are told there is to be representation from the different 
villages belonging to the north colony to meet to-morrow 
to form an organization or government among them- 
selves. 

Eleventh month p. The men from the different vil- 
lages were heard and statistics taken. In going through 
the villages thus far we have found several cases of 
sickness and much to draw on our sympathies, but there 
is cause for thankfulness for the cheerful spirit mani- 
fested among the people who have so little to begin with. 
Assistance has been rendered those we have visited who 
seemed in great need. Much has been done since I was 
last here in the improvement of their surroundings. We 
have had many precious religious meetings in the various 
settlements. 

Eleventh month 12. This village, Petrofka, seems to 
be the most prosperous village of any yet visited. Some 
of the people can speak a little English and the women 



408 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1899 

have prepared some good cakes for breakfast. I was 
favored with the precedence of a berth on top of the 
oven last night. William B. Harvey was beside me, but 
being over the centre, when the fire was renewed early 
in the morning, he was for seeking cooler quarters. After 
breakfast we visited all the houses and found them filled 
with inmates, some very bright people among them. In 
one house we saw an oven in one corner where some 
baking was going on and a horse in a little pen in an 
opposite corner. One house was pretty large and well 
finished both inside and out, and equipped with a pretty 
full supply of furniture. Some of the homes are "dug- 
outs," plastered inside and having two windows in the 
ends to admit light and ventilation. 

Eleventh month 13. Last night a cat came into our 
sleeping berth and was told to go to the next neighbor, but 
instead of doing that it went to our provision box and 
feasted on our canned beef. At Fort Pelly the dogs were 
interested in our provision box and made a general clear- 
ance of contents so that we had to be given a new supply. 
In gathering the people together for religious service the 
house was packed and the children peeping out from 
every nook and corner. I had the question asked if the 
children recognized me; one little girl answered "quar- 
antine." Thus we passed from one village to another, 
meeting with much the same experience and, amidst all, 
we have much to be thankful for. On being asked if I 



Age 09 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 409 

might write to Friends in England that they felt hopeful, 
they said, "Yes," for they had their freedom. 

Eleventh month 15. In the village Petrofka Orlofka 
we had a warm greeting from the "Patriarch" Ivan 
Machartoff. After dinner the people gathered around 
us and I said we would first listen to what they had to 
tell us. Ivan Machartoff said that they, like us, prayed 
to the same Saviour, to which I responded that there was 
nothing we would rather tell our friends at home. He 
then went on with a further testimony for Jesus Christ, 
and he made allusion again to the time when he saw 
Stephen Grellet in 1818. I alluded to the pleasure it 
gave me when he, Ivan Machartoff, was asked at York- 
ton by a Methodist minister if they taught their children 
and he called his little grandson, aged about six years, 
who repeated the ten commandments without faltering; 
and we encouraged the teaching of the children in that 
way as being in keeping with the Lord's command to 
those who lived long ago, that as they walked by the 
way and as they sat by the fireside, they should speak of 
the doings of the Lord. 

Eleventh month 75. At several houses at which we 
have lodged and visited, it has been remarkable what the 
children have been able to recite from memory. 

Eleventh month 16. We have returned to Yorkton and 
arrived in good season, as it is the right time to have a 
say in the distribution of the three or four carloads of 
goods that have arrived. 



410 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1899 

Eleventh month 21. Left Yorkton for Winnepeg yes- 
terday morning and have now arrived about 4 P. M. 

Eleventh month 23. We have started for Prince Albert 
district, our interpreter, Frederick Leonhardt, accom- 
panying us. We were furnished with free passes to 
Duck Lake. 

Eleventh month 24. Arrived at Saskatoon and found 
the agent had been instructed to look after our comfort, 
and he insisted upon my taking his fur-lined coat for the 
rest of the journey, and to oblige him I accepted it. 
After some exercise on account of our provision box 
having disappeared, the larder has been replenished by 
William B. Harvey and the agent, and we are in readi- 
ness to start out to-morrow morning. 

Eleventh month 25. We are again on the move and 
have seen five antelopes during our ride to-day. We 
visited one village and it was marvellous what had been 
accomplished with the means at command. 

Twelfth month 1. Have arrived at Winnepeg on our 
return from visiting what settlements we could in Prince 
Albert district, and have enjoyed reading the letters from 
home, found waiting for us. Whilst I have been out on 
a business trip, yet there is but One, who knows the 
closeness of the siege and measure of depth of earnest- 
ness with which I have hoped for the blessing at home. 
We left Winnepeg this P. M. 

Twelfth month 3. Reached Ottawa at 2.30, where I 



Age 69 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 411 

have been invited to make some social calls. William 
B. Harvey felt best satisfied to start for his home. 

Twelfth month 5. Came to Toronto to visit some in 
the cause of the Doukhobors. 

Twelfth month 6. Left Toronto last evening and am 
now on my way to visit Tunesassa. 

Twelfth month 7. Have enjoyed the sight of the hills 
and landscape, together with the school and its sur- 
roundings. If it should prove my last visit here, it will 
be a pleasant retrospect. 

Twelfth month II. Arrived at home in time for 
dinner. 

First month 29, 1900. I felt a drawing to the meeting 
of colored ministers, where they discussed a paper, which 
had been produced at their last meeting, justifying war, 
but was not finally acted upon at that time. The expres- 
sion to-day was against it. I was allowed to express my 
exercise and called to mind that the appearance of Jesus 
Christ was heralded by the anthem ''Peace on earth." 

Third month 20. Between Doukhobor correspondence, 
committees and other engagements I have had little time 
for writing my notes the past few months, but the time 
has been an eventful one. Our meetings have been 
favored seasons in which there have been some striking 
and pointed communications fraught with instruction 
and an evidence that the Lord was still mindful of the 
remnant of his people, inspiring his servants to commu- 
nicate that with which they were entrusted to edification. 



412 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1900 

The meetings of our important committees have been 
clothed with a measure of solemnity that left a savor on 
the mind that we have been owned in our work. In our 
Meeting for Sufferings, held on the 16th, we were bap- 
tized together, and some capacity given to consider the 
condition of both Church and State. 

Fourth month J. Left home for Ottawa, having a 
desire to know more definitely from some of the officials 
as to how the Doukhobors had stood the winter and 
whether any had perished, and also concluded to take in 
Tunesassa on my way, so as to be at the closing exercise 
of the school. 

Fourth month 7. After an interesting visit at Tune- 
sassa proceeded to Ottawa, where I arrived 6.30 this 
A. M., stopping at Toronto on the way to make a few 
calls on Doukhobor business. 

Most of the day was spent visiting government officials 
and others who could give information regarding the 
condition of the Doukhobors, which seemed to be mostly 
satisfactory, or as good as could be expected. Left 
Ottawa for Montreal, where I hope to make good con- 
nections for New York and Philadelphia. 

Sixth month 13. Word has been received that our 
aunt Phebe Elkinton has passed away. 

Sixth month 18. We had an interesting and memorable 
meeting of the Committee on the Willitts Trust this A. M., 
all the members present. Charles Rhoads said he had 
felt throughout the meeting a feeling of devotion. He 



Age 70 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 413 

appeared on his knees, expressing gratitude for the har- 
mony and comfort we had had in the meetings of the 
committee and prayed for ability to enter rightly into 
feeling with the colored people, with wisdom and guid- 
ance to procure suitable reading matter that the work to 
which we have given attention, might be blessed. He 
then interceded for the dear brothers who were going 
out on an embassy amongst another class, who had 
suffered persecution for the testimony of a good con- 
science; that their going out might be blessed to them 
and, if consistent with the Divine will, be brought back 
to us. It was a sweet, loving prayer, touching to our 
feelings. He, in the courage of it, said, "We love our 
brothers very dearly." 

Sixth month 18. This afternoon I left home with a 
view of accompanying Jonathan E. Rhoads on a visit to 
the Doukhobors in the Northwest Territory of Canada, 
he having obtained a minute from his Monthiy Meeting 
liberating him for that service, and to attend to such 
religious service on the way going and returning as he 
might feel required of him. 

Eighth month ig. We arrived at Montreal this A. M. 
and this P. M. have taken train for Ottowa where we 
arrived this evening. 

Sixth month 20. After interviews with the government 
officials we took 1.25 train this P. M. for Winnepeg and 
thence to Yorkton. 

Sixth month 24. It was a long dusty ride from Portage 



414 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1900 

La Prairie to Yorkton where we arrived about midnight 
in what is called a mixed train. On leaving the car my 
hand was quickly taken by that of the interpreter, Fred- 
erick Leonhardt, who had a number of Doukhobors with 
him so we had quite a greeting; our baggage was soon 
taken and carried to the residence of Frederick Leon- 
hardt where his wife gave us a warm welcome. 

Sixth month 25. There is a small Indian camp opposite 
the residence of Frederick Leonhardt, composed of about 
a dozen men, women and children with their teams. 
Jonathan E. Rhoads observed them fixing up a tent in 
such a way that he said in Australia it was considered a 
sure sign of rain when the natives of that country began 
fixing up in that style. We had both lightning and 
thunder with rain and rain enough to make the change 
in temperature quite as much as we want. We have seen 
an interesting sight of Doukhobors on good looking 
horses carrying firewood, two of them carrying a good 
sized tree across their shoulders. They appeared in some 
measure to be adopting the English style of dress. The 
women are doing some business in gathering Senega root 
which can now be gathered off the prairies. 

Sixth month 26. We had thirty mile ride yesterday 
over the prairie to the village Terpenie arriving about 
8.30 P. M. We had time before dark to enter all their 
eighteen finished and occupied houses, there being six or 
seven more in the course of construction. Both the 
finished and unfinished houses have a vegetable or flower 



Age 70 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 415 

garden with plants growing in beds that give evidence of 
considerable attention, and some have planted small trees 
near the edge of their front yards. As the houses are 
built in two rows with a wide avenue between, the future 
looks promising for a pretty appearance of things. The 
inside of the houses look very clean and great credit is 
due for what has been done in such short time. 

Ivan (John) MarchatofT lives in this village, and I had 
him relate to J. E. R. what he remembered of Stephen 
Grellet when he visited Russia. While they were gath- 
ered around us, Jonathan E. Rhoads told them he thought 
of Abraham, who has told of the far country that was to 
be for his children and children's children, and God had 
brought their children (the Doukhobors) through and 
had a place for them here, and as Abraham had kept the 
faith, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, 
even so if they kept their faith and trust in God who had 
done great things for them, they would surely know of 
his blessing and protection. Ivan MarchatofT joined us 
and proceeded with us through the other villages. 

Sixth month 28. On arrival at one of the villages, 
while dinner was being prepared we visited several houses 
and in one where we dined there is a very interesting 
case of a young woman, who had suffered greatly in 
Russia; she is gifted both intellectually and in the 
handling of the needle. She and another girl were stolen 
from their homes by the Tartars and at night were tied 
to a fence with their hands fastened behind them. They 



416 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1900 

managed to get loose and she with her brother and her 
companion in captivity succeeded in joining the Douk- 
hobors as they were leaving Russia. The brother was 
much more decided than their father, for the Truth, and 
was locked in a cellar, the intention being to leave him 
without food, but the sister and other children continued 
to find holes to slide down some bread and water, and 
finally procured a crowbar and pried out the staple to 
which the lock was attached and then put the staple back 
after liberating their brother, who also made his escape by 
coming to Canada. 

Seventh month 3. The last house we visited in this 
village was the residence of the dear ''Grandmother" of 
the Doukhobors, Nastasia Virigen, who has six sons in 
exile in Siberia and one died on his way here; she also 
has a grandson among the exiles. Her son Peter seemed 
to be the most noted among the exiles. She is 84 years 
of age, clear and bright in her intellect. 

While the inhabitants of the village were gathered 
around us a letter was read from one of those now in 
exile which was translated to us. "Is it true that the 
Quakers are striving to get our release from here ? May 
the Lord direct their steps that we may get to you and 
worship our Heavenly Father with you, and so we wish 
the Lord to help, that we may be with our mother and 
see you all. We send our best messages to our friends 
the Quakers for their Christianity and love in their 
hearts." The reading of this letter was a good beginning 



Age 70 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 417 

for our meeting which proved before it closed, to be (in 
my view) the crowning meeting thus far on our trip. 
J. E. R. spoke of the high and holy calling unto which 
they were called to suffer with those who were dear to 
them for their Lord and Saviour who was afflicted with 
their affliction. I expressed my exercise and the oppor- 
tunity closed with a remarkable prayer by J. E. R. 

Seventh month ij. We reached Yorkton after visiting 
the villages in the North and South Colonies. We held 
forty-seven meetings, visited five or six hundred houses, 
and had from three to four hundred miles riding in 
twenty-two days. One of the storekeepers told me, which 
was corroborated by agent Crerar, that Senega root had 
been brought in by the Doukhobors to the value of six 
thousand dollars. 

Seventh month 23. Left Yorkton on the 18th for 
Winnepeg, where we took the train for Regina and have 
now come on to Saskatoon, when the train stops long 
enough to enable us to arrange for the distribution of 
some goods still remaining in the warehouse here. 

Seventh month 24. At the cabin of the mail contractor 
where we have arrived after a twenty miles ride from 
Sackatoon. After a lunch we expect to start out to visit 
the Doukhobor villages in this district. 

Seventh month 29. On our journey to-day in crossing 
a stream, the water came into the wagon and nearly to 
the top of our boots, soaking the provision box and 
Da gg a g e > and the poor horses were sorely tested before 



418 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1900 

they were on the opposite bank. On reaching the village 
found the people had been expecting us and quite a com- 
pany gathered to meet us. A little building had been 
fitted up with beds and a table, aiming to accommodate 
J. E. R., Frederick and myself in good style. On open- 
ing our valises we found of a truth they were not water- 
proof, collars, handkerchiefs and papers fared about 
alike; not a collar fit to put on, paper boxes "no good" 
as the Doukhobors said. But the women were merciful 
and seized collars, cuffs, shirts, towels, etc., and made off 
with them. They also captured the valises and hung them 
up to dry in the sun. Later in the day in going our 
rounds we came across a house where one good woman 
was doing her best at the washtub and another at the 
ironing-table for our benefit. In the evening meeting 
J. E. R. spoke of having been in all the villages and the 
desire he felt for their preservation, growth, and estab- 
lishment in the Truth, putting forth plain scriptural 
doctrines. I followed and said this was likely to be the 
last company of Doukhobors that I would see at present ; 
if in the pleasure of our Heavenly Father I were per- 
mitted to have more personal intercourse with them all 
very well, but there came a time when it was well to have 
a succession of workers. If permitted to reach home I 
expected to have them in my thoughts and wished to 
have a place in theirs. I had manifested my interest by 
welcoming them on arrival on this continent; and the 
satisfaction I had felt in soliciting and forwarding goods 



Age 70 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 419 

for the purpose of their getting a start in their new 
homes and visiting amongst them had left a precious 
feeling in my heart; but I felt they had yet many hard- 
ships to encounter, especially on account of the trial of 
separation from their companions in exile, but as it was 
the Lord who had given us our loved ones, if He thought 
them worthy to suffer for his name's sake, or to be em- 
ployed in his service, it was an honor and we must have 
faith in his supporting power, as the righteous would 
not be forsaken. The song that I heard as the first ship 
approached these shores about eighteen months ago com- 
menced with "Our God is with us; He has carried us 
through," and we wanted that faith to believe He would 
carry us through to the end. It was an impressive occa- 
sion and some tears were shed. 

Seventh month 50. We started on our homeward 
journey after a good breakfast which was served with 
marked hospitality and reached Rosthern making between 
thirty-five and forty miles riding for the day. 

Eighth month 5. Attended a meeting held in Toronto 
by appointment for Jonathan E. Rhoads, and what he 
offered in supplication I thought was appropriate, and if 
we should live to see all that might be implied in that 
petition answered, there will be a better representation 
of the Truth as it is in Christ Jesus than we now see in 
Toronto, notwithstanding all that is apparently being done 
in the line of what is called Christian work. Time, talent 



420 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1900 

and money seem to be abundantly expended and no par- 
ticular holding back with preaching of its kind. 

Eighth month 5. J. E. R. left after the meeting for 
Philadelphia, but I remained to do a little visiting and 
then proceed to Ottawa to report to head officials. 

Eighth month 10. Left Ottawa for Montreal on the 
8th inst., where I remained overnight and then proceeded 
on my journey homeward, arriving at 325 Pine street 
about 4 this A. M. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
Service Among Doukhobors, Continued. 

Eighth month 23. After our meeting at Arch Street, 
I went to the Recreation Pier on the Delaware River and 
witnessed the landing of about thirteen hundred Cuban 
School Teachers from four government transports that 
brought them from Cuba. They have been visiting col- 
leges and other places of interest. They made a very 
genteel appearance with decided marks of intelligence 
and I hope their visit may have profitable results. 

Twelfth month 7. During the past few days sister 
Sarah's condition has been considered very critical. I 
saw her a few minutes this morning and the only response 
she made to my greeting was "I am very sick." It seemed 
to me a very serious case. 

Twelfth month 8. Word came while we were at the 
breakfast table that sister Sarah had a hard night and 
that a few hours would close the scene, which came to 
pass about 9.30 A. M. 

Twelfth month 11. Quite a number of relatives and 
intimate friends gathered at 1110 Pine street, before we 
proceeded to Orange Street Meeting House where the 
funeral was held. 

While away from home during the early summer our 
sister Sarah Bedell was released from her suffering in 
this world. 

421 



422 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1901 

First month 21, igoi. This was the day for holding 
our Preparative Meeting for Ministers and Elders. Three 
months ago my sister Sarah E. Smith and I sat side by 
side as we faced the clerk and enjoyed the nearness of 
spirit felt on that occasion, which was precious to me. 
To-day her seat was vacant, but we trust she has now a 
place in the angelic company of those who are in the 
Kingdom of everlasting rest and peace. 

Fourth month 4. This day my dear wife completed her 
sixty- fifth year and I, my seventy-first year. We are now 
in the forty-fifth year of our married life and have had 
our vicissitudes in meeting the issues of life, some of them 
very grave, but have cause to commemorate the goodness 
and mercy of our Heavenly Father. May his mercy and 
compassion still be extended and we be made to experi- 
ence, that his grace is sufficient for us unto the end of 
our days. 

Fifth month ij. In company with Philip Bellows met 
the "Oceanic" on its arrival at the dock. It was not long 
before Philip Bellows caught sight of his parents, John 
and Elizabeth Bellows, and after the examination of their 
baggage we proceeded to Brooklyn where they went to 
lodge over night with some of their friends. 

Fifth month 16. After spending most of the day in 
New York, we took train for Philadelphia and arrived 
at "325" in time for tea. 

Sixth month 5. During the past two weeks John and 
Elizabeth Bellows have had a round of visiting, during 



Age 71 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 423 

which time John Bellows has had several attacks like the 
one he had the first night at "325" which was rather 
alarming, so it has been decided that it is not prudent for 
him to undertake a trip to the Doukhobors which had 
been anticipated when he came to this country. 

Seventh month 18. The past week has been marked 
with history closely affecting our family. On Third-day 
last our dear brother Thomas seemed again to succumb 
to the heat. Upon his return home from Parvin Master's 
funeral he rested a while on the lounge, but when he 
undertook to get up he found his limbs were affected so 
that he could hardly walk. Two doctors consulted over 
the case and attributed it to something deeper than the 
weather. When I saw him on Fifth-day, he had im- 
proved somewhat in his ability to walk, seemed quite 
cheerful and was free from pain which I thought a great 
favor. 

Seventh month 24. Went to New York with Philip 
Bellows early this A. M. and went to the dock of the 
steamer "Oceanic" where we met John and Elizabeth 
Bellows and had an hour with them before they sailed. 
They expressed their appreciation of my coming to see 
them off and it was a feeling parting. Their expression 
of giving me a welcome should I ever again go to England 
I felt to be sincere ; but the uncertainty of our ever seeing 
each other again in this world had a place in our thoughts 
in our farewell moments. As the noble ship moved out 
of sight the feeling that the "Lord loveth his people" cov- 



424 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1901 

ered my mind which encouraged me to believe they would 
be cared for over the great deep. 

Seventh month 25. At a Monthly Meeting of Friends of Phila- 
delphia, held Seventh month 25th, 1901 : 

Our friend Joseph S. Elkinton laid before this meeting a 
prospect of religious service in the counties of Warren, Essex 
and Morris in the State of New Jersey, and in Duchess county, 
New York, particularly the appointment of one or more public 
meetings in the county-towns of those counties. 

This prospect claiming our deliberate consideration was united 
with, and he is liberated and encouraged to enter upon and 
pursue it as best wisdom may direct, he being a minister in 
unity with us. A copy of this minute is directed to be fur- 
nished him. 

Signed on our behalf. Taken from the Minutes. 

George J. Scattergood, 
Rachel S. Maris, 

Clerks for the day. 
Ephraim Smith, Correspondent. 

Seventh month 30. Brother Thomas was in at the 
office this morning and I had an interview with him 
which I esteem as very precious ; he seeming calm and 
composed and inclined to converse in a manner that I 
felt should it prove the last opportunity for such a con- 
versation, it would be sweet to look back upon. His wife 
is more poorly and he realizes the situation that they both 
are in a very precarious condition, not knowing which 
may be taken first. 

Eighth month 10. Left home for Morristown, New 
Jersey, to make arrangements for some appointed meet- 
ings for Jonathan E. Rhoads and myself in northern New 
Jersey. 



Age 71 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 425 

King David had his heart enlarged over Lebanon and 
the mountains round about Jerusalem, but the handiwork 
of the Creator is manifest in this part of his dominion 
and He has also dominions not exactly bounded by the 
mountains, hills and valleys, which He has created to be 
everlasting. This is a beautiful country and the Jersey 
people feel they have scenery not to be excelled in many 
places. I was advised to see the Mayor and he not being 
at his office I went to his residence. The Mayor on com- 
ing into the room addressed me by name and behold it 
was Norman Fox, a deeply religious writer, whom I had 
met in my visit, or at a meeting here three years ago. I 
did not know that such men as he would be chosen for 
public offices; but it appears that the Republican party 
was at a loss to find a man for the position and they 
telephoned to know if he would accept the position; he 
answered "Yes."' Although he had not belonged to their 
party, he was elected. Religion is the true foundation 
for either the building or maintaining a good character 
and we will hope that Mayor Fox may hold fast that 
which he has received of the best life. 

On showing him my certificate, he said "This is provi- 
dential, I was about to send for a minister to come to- 
morrow morning where I shall be in charge, now I will 
not do it. And if the Lord gives you a message for us 
we want it." He seemed conversant on Friends' princi- 
ples and was an admirer of George Fox, also Stephen 
Grellet, having read their Journals. I felt satisfied to 



426 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1901 

tell him that when he considered himself through I would 
be open to have an opportunity, and would be timely at 
the appointed place. 

Eighth month 11. About 10.30 A. M. Norman Fox 
opened the exercises in their Meeting House and read 
the 97th Psalm with the congregation verse by verse, 
after which he made an offering in prayer. He evi- 
dently felt his situation as a public man and he wanted 
the community embued with a right spirit that the bless- 
ing of the Lord might rest upon them. He then intro- 
duced me in such a way that I believed his secret prayer 
was that I, with the rest, should be favored with the 
Divine presence and support. I could say it was a privi- 
lege to be where the spirit of worship was felt. I was 
reverently thankful that the trend of thought had been in 
the line of acknowledgment of the majesty of the King 
of Heaven and desiring help and strength from Him; 
and it was that Light that was with him in the beginning 
and manifested to us by Jesus Christ, that gave us a 
sense of his majesty, and unfolded to us the Divine will 
concerning us and the principles of the everlasting Truth. 
George Fox said, "Mind the Light." William Penn said, 
"It was God's gift to man." 

Eighth month 14. At Belvidere I was told it would be 
well to meet the Freeholders about one o'clock at which 
time I made my way to the Court House. After the 
Freeholders had answered the roll call I was requested 
to state my wishes, which being done it was put to vote, 



Age 71 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 427 

and it was granted that Jonathan E. Rhoads and I should 
have the free use of the Court House to hold a religious 
meeting. I felt well paid for waiting as it gave me an 
opportunity to meet the representatives of the county. 

Eighth month ij. Proceeded to Duchess County, New 
York, to pursue my religious service in that vicinity ; and 
then return to northern New Jersey to join Jonathan E. 
Rhoads in our appointments there. 

Ninth month I. Again in Morristown, New Jersey, this 
time in company with Jonathan E. Rhoads. This after- 
noon we went to the meeting appointed for us, with the 
inmates of the Almshouse which was a very satisfactory 
one. After taking our seats Bibles and Hymn Books 
were handed us which J. E. R. took and piled beside his 
chair, and after a little time he opened out in a way that 
gave evidence that we in nowise lightly esteemed the 
scriptures. We each had our opportunity to express our 
interest in the household, both in testimony and supplica- 
tion, alluding to those who were there because of what 
was out of their power to avert, or because of not having 
improved their providences and opportunities ; but it 
would be wise to think of the mercy and compassion of 
our Heavenly Father, that the tokens of his love and 
regard might yet be mercifully afforded for the sake of 
the never dying soul and for the sake of him who gave 
himself for us so that we might have peace with our 
Maker. 

Ninth month ?. Forty-five years ago at Somerton, 



428 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1901 

Ohio, a very pale faced man provided himself with a 
helpmeet, and during the subsequent years, with the 
attendant experiences, mercy has been extended and 
cause for commemorating the goodness and loving kind- 
ness of our Heavenly Father; we should say the Lord is 
good and that our souls know right well. 

Ninth month 6. At Belvidere, in the course of con- 
versation a man asked J. E. R. whether persons of very 
limited education could apprehend sacred things. J. E. R. 
replied that they could have an apprehension ; they might 
not succeed in expressing it with the same clearness as if 
they had a good knowledge of the language; but he 
thought much more depended on a man's nearness to his 
Maker as to how his spiritual faculties were developed 
than on his training or education. Some of the Apostles 
were rated as unlearned and ignorant men but it was 
given them to see somewhat of the mysteries of the 
kingdom. 

Ninth month 7. Returned to our home at Malvern and 
found my M. in fair health ; we have our trials and beset- 
ments, but many favors and evidence of Divine favor and 
support. 

Ninth month 11. Our nation has been in great affliction 
on account of the precarious condition of President Mc- 
Kinley and no doubt many have been engaged in prayer 
for his recovery, but secret things belong to the Lord. 

Ninth month 14. The tolling of the bells in the early 
morning and subsequent information have brought us to 



Age 71 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 429 

know that the murderous assault upon the President has 
proved fatal and his valuable life is closed, to the great 
grief of the nation for the loss of one of the best Presi- 
dents the country has had. 

Ninth month 2J. -Brother Thomas had a very serious 
attack last evening and a distressing night. I went out 
this afternoon and it was indeed a sick house. Sister 
Rebecca sent me word she could not see me, but they 
wanted my prayers which was touching. 

Philadelphia, Ninth month, 1901. 
To the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia. 

Dear Friends : I herewith return the minute granted 
me in the Seventh month last. In the pursuance of the 
concern mentioned therein I attended nine meetings in 
Duchess County, New York, the appointments for which 
were entered into with interest by those residing in the 
different neighborhoods. . . . 

Jonathan E. Rhoads joined me in holding public meet- 
ings and visiting some institutions in the northern part 
of New Jersey where we had not been before, whose 
company was very grateful to me. Ten religious gather- 
ings were attended in those parts, and in the different 
places visited, we met with those who showed a hearty 
interest in the work. . . . 

Joseph S. Elkixtox. 

Ninth month 29. On being notified early this morning 
that brother Thomas was very low, I took 7.55 train for 
Media, accompanied by Ephraim Smith, who had just 



430 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1901 

returned from Ohio. When we arrived at Media about 
8.30 were met by son Joseph who informed us that his 
uncle passed away at twenty minutes past 8 o'clock. 

Tenth month 2. We had a little family gathering at the 
Media house before leaving for the funeral to be held in 
the Meeting House in Philadelphia. Sister Rebecca came 
downstairs and sat with us. In the little time I was with 
her prior to our gathering, I said to her that I felt it was 
too deep a time for words and about all I could say was, 
the God of all grace, sanctify thee wholly, and in his hand 
and keeping we must leave thee. The funeral at the 
Meeting House was a large one, about four hundred being 
present and about twenty of our ministers. 

Eleventh month 29. My sister-in-law Rebecca S. 
Elkinton, widow of brother Thomas Elkinton, passed 
from time to eternity almost to the minute, two months 
after her husband. 

Twelfth month 20. In our Meeting for Sufferings we 
had an interesting report from the Committee that had 
been appointed to present an Address to President Roose- 
velt, to the import that they were courteously received 
and the President read the Address aloud, standing with 
the others, and emphasized particular parts that seemed 
to impress him. As he folded it up he said it was a 
sweet message and he thanked the Friends who presented 
it and those who sent them. 

Third month 25, 1902. Peter Jansen, who has lately 
returned from a visit to Russia, on hearing of the situa- 



Age 72 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 431 

tion of the Doukhobor land question, wrote that if our 
Committee would send out a deputation he would accom- 
pany them through the colonies and interpret for them. 
Our Committee has prepared an Address to the Douk- 
hobors encouraging them to comply with the laws of the 
Canadian Government in regard to taking up their home- 
steads and the registration of their marriages, births and 
deaths. All the members of the Committee expressing 
their approval of my going out among the Doukhobors to 
present the Address, it was decided that I should start 
on the 20th. 

Third month 28. Have taken train and started on my 
journey, going by way of Salem, Ohio, where I hope to 
be joined by Dillwyn Stratton and later by Peter Jansen. 
Attended meeting at Winona on First-day and whilst I 
was speaking there came a tremendous downpour "of 
either hail or rain with seeming darkness. Someone 
afterward remarked it did not seem to disturb me; it 
does not do to be disturbed when speaking in meetings, 
but the thought came before me, come what may let me 
be at my post. 

Third month 31. As Dillwyn Stratton needed a few 
days to make arrangements for leaving home it was 
agreed that he should leave his home for Chicago on 
Fourth-day morning and I would meet him on arrival. 
I took train for Canton and on arrival engaged a carriage 
and proceeded to the residence of the late President 
McKinley and was shown into the reception room. I was 



432 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1902 

informed that visitors were not received by the widow, 
but my card was taken and admission was granted me, 
into the parlor where I found the widow with some knit- 
ting in her lap. It was sometime before silence was 
broken and some tears were shed. After awhile she was 
able to bear evidence to the faithfulness and devotion of 
her husband and thought no one had done more for his 
country, which I did not gainsay. During our conversa- 
tion she told me more of her history and that of her 
husband than I can well relate. She asked me if my wife 
was an invalid; I answered "Yes." Then she wanted to 
know if she wore slippers, whereupon she gave me a pair 
that she had made, as a little token of remembrance to 
my wife. From Canton I went to Masillon and on to 
Anderson and visited our silicate works there. 

Fourth month 2. Met Dillwyn Stratton in Chicago 
and have taken train and sleeping berths for Ohama to 
meet Peter Jansen. 

Fourth month 5. We were entertained at Peter 
Jansen's home where he showed me his scrap-book con- 
taining correspondence with President McKinley, which 
included an invitation to dine with him and his wife, also 
a speech of Peter Jansen given about the time of his 
funeral from which the following is an extract, viz. : 
'Then came the time of war and strife which taxed the 
strength of his character and the mettle of his statesman- 
ship to the utmost. He was a man of peace and abhorred 
the shedding of blood, and as he told me himself, until the 



Age 72 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 433 

Maine was destroyed, he never thought but that war could 
be avoided. In fact he told me, that had he been given 
two more weeks, Cuba would have been liberated without 
a bloody conflict." "During those days when the ques- 
tion of peace or war hung in the balance Senator Bur- 
roughs, of Michigan, visited the President and found him 
very much agitated, and grasping the Senator's hands 
with tears in his eyes, he exclaimed : 'Oh ! Senator, help 
me to avoid war ; think of the terrible suffering and blood- 
shed it will cause.' " 

Fourth month 6. We have arrived at Winnipeg where 
a few days will be spent in interviews with officials and 
reading the official reports concerning the Doukhobors 
before starting out for their colonies. 

Fourth month io. Arrived at Yorkton at 9.30 last 
evening. We were waited upon by a deputation of Douk- 
hobors this morning, and they spoke of their reluctance 
and almost refusal to register births, deaths and mar- 
riages. I told them, I had no objection to telling the 
names of myself, wife and children, and when they were 
born; it was only right that a record of those things 
should be kept and I thought it would be to their advan- 
tage to act peaceably with their brethren and friends. 
Left Yorkton about twelve o'clock and after pulling 
through many waters, a halt was made at the house of 
a man whom William Evans told when I was first at his 
house that he had better get a wife, which had been acted 
upon about fifteen months ago. There was such a change 



434 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1902 

in the general appearance of the husband and for the 
better, that he might well believe "That he that hath a 
good wife hath a good thing." 

We found the waters not quite so high as we journeyed 
on and we reached Terpenie about 10 P. M. We had 
some kindly salutations by the way from Doukhobors 
going to Yorkton on business; some of the wagons 
seemed to have young families on top of the merchandise. 
From the top of one wagon came the sound, "The 
children will be glad to see you, Grandfather." 

Fourth month 12. In one village, after supper we had 
quite a business meeting, there being representatives from 
seven villages. After our Address was read one man 
requested the loan of it, saying he would like to take a 
copy, which was granted. Some of them seemed sadly 
behind the times in their views of the needs of a civil gov- 
ernment, saying that the Lord would give them a heritage 
free from the government of man. All of which we will 
doubtless get if we fulfill our duties aright whilst in this 
state of being, but not without some sense that we owe 
the world about as much as the world owes us, and that 
we are not likely to get a great deal for nothing. They 
could not however refrain from expressing their gratitude 
for what Friends had done for them, and said they and 
their children had a love for me. 

Fourth month iy. Dillwyn Stratton feeling that he 
could not be away from home longer at this time, it was 
decided that we return to Yorkton together, he going on 



Age 72 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 435 

home and I going over to the Saskatoon District, doing 
what I can until the 1st of next month when the North 
Colony would be in better condition for travelling than 
at present. Peter Jansen had also been obliged to go 
home to meet pressing engagements. 

Fourth month 24. Arrived at Swan River at 1 A. M. 
and was met by Hugh Harley who has promised teams 
and outfit for starting out for the nearest village about 
noon ; he expects to accompany me. We started out about 
one o'clock and the road we have travelled had the aspect 
of being a new road so far as rough travelling in the bush 
is concerned, for it is mud, mire, chuck-holes and swamps. 
I was instructed to hold fast to my seat which I was not 
slow to act upon, but of all the roads I could only think 
of "worse, worser, worsest." The first sign of recog- 
nition on approaching the village was the graveyard 
which I was glad to see much better enclosed than when 
I had previously seen it and I felt quite satisfied with the 
little investment I had made for the purpose. When the 
people of the village were collected, I introduced the 
object of my errand and the Address of the Committee 
was read. There was an expression of thanks and when 
an explanation was made of what would result if they 
would enter their names for their homesteads, it was 
favorably received and they agreed to send delegates to 
the other villages to lay the matter before them and agree 
upon an answer to the agent Hugh Harley. Hugh Harley, 
our driver and myself had a little room to ourselves with 



436 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1902 

a small stove, writing-table and a lamp. There was a 
good sized bed and another was made by bringing in a 
couple of benches and fitting them out. The holding of 
business or religious meetings, calling at forty or more 
houses and conversing with those who desire to speak on 
subjects concerning their people, with what travelling is 
necessary to be done, makes one feel ready to retire at 
night without much thought of the surroundings. 

Fourth month 2j. To-day we had a good old-time 
Doukhobor meeting. Hugh Harley told them that what 
he had heard in the Doukhobor services had been good 
to his soul and the exercises of the Friend that he was 
accompanying had been great on their behalf and he 
desired that a blessing might rest upon him and his 
people. 

The day closed as one of favor, not having forgotten 
that it was the day that fulfilled my seventy-second year 
and the sixty-sixth for my dear wife. 

Fourth month 28. In the gathering of men and women 
in one of the villages to-day, a woman aged about sixty- 
four made a touching speech in which she said, when 
they landed on the prairie they had no food and I sent 
them corn and when they had nothing to draw with, I sent 
them oxen and cows, etc. I have had many marks of 
affection shown me, but if I know my own heart I wished 
to be honestly concerned to give the Lord the glory of 
his own works and on the approach of dissolution to be 
clear of the charge of taking to myself that which belongs 



Age 72 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 437 

to the Lord ; for whatever good may be done through his 
instruments the power is of him. Whoever may plant or 
water it is He who giveth the increase. 

Fifth month 2. Dear grandmother Verigin received 
me yesterday with a warm heart; she has a nicely fur- 
nished room, with a boarded floor covered with oilcloth. 
One of her grandsons can speak pretty good English. 

In one of the houses visited I found a woman with a 
broken limb. I had much sympathy for her for I felt 
she needed a physician, but as my money was diminishing 
and thinking it was the business of her friend to look 
after her I passed on without leaving anything, which 
did not rest very comfortably with me. We started out 
to the next village and although the road we took was 
pronounced good, there was no desire on our part to see 
a worse one. In a slough the nigh horse, Duly, went 
down and acted as if he did not wish to get up again, but 
with our help in lifting and pushing Duly and Charley 
got the conveyance out and after the broken harness was 
tied with some rope, travelled on our way until our driver 
lost his faith and thought we had taken the wrong road 
and that we ought to go back to the fork and take the 
other, which we did. Finally my companion said he 
thought we had better go back to the village we started 
from, for he did not want us to be out on the prairie all 
night. He wanted to know how I felt. I replied, "I feel 
quiet.'' It was now about 8 P. M. and raining, the 
prospect of seeing our way back was not very encour- 



438 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1902 

aging. But we got around the deep sloughs and on the 
trail and had a little trot for awhile, when thick darkness 
descended upon us so that we could see neither trail nor 
horses. Whether we were on the road or ploughed 
ground was hard to tell. My companion tramped about 
to feel the ground and when he thought it safe would 
call to the driver to follow; he would have to traverse 
back and forth and find us by the sound of our voices. 
My match-box was in demand with a little lighted paper, 
but as it was raining there was a limit to that convenience. 
Finally Earnest took hold of one of the horses and tried 
leading them and we proved to be on the trail, passing 
over one bridge without knowing it, and at the second we 
caught a glimmer of the water and I was soon out of the 
buggy for I thought if I went off the bridge it might be 
worse for us. I walked behind the buggy with my hand 
on it until we were over and I judge that Earnest led the 
horses two or three miles farther when I called out : "A 
straw stack, a village, stop at the first house." But he 
had a time of it getting there and rousing the people; 
presently a lantern appeared from the second house and 
we headed for it and willing horses were soon within the 
gate-posts and when we were inside the house it was 
recognized as the one we left at 5 o'clock and it was now 
by my watch 1.12 A. M. I felt it was a mercy the dark- 
ness lifted enough for us to see a village. At the first 
house in response to our inquiry "No man about, no 
room/' Indians are in the way of calling in the night 



Age 72 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 439 

and they have no room for the Indians. I was not long 
in taking off my coat and boots and laying down on the 
bed prepared for me and when I awoke in the morning, I 
found the occupants of the room consisted of four men 
and three women on beds and benches in different parts 
of the room, also two children, a cat and a dog. Whilst 
we were trying to find our way in the dark I said in my 
heart, if the Lord permitted us to get back where we 
started from the woman that had the broken leg should 
surely have five dollars. This was sent to her and before 
leaving the village I received a touching letter in acknowl- 
edgment as follows : 

"It was not without tears that I received from you (5) 
five dollars. Your kindness is very dear to me, dear 
grandfather, in time of our poverty. May the Lord save 
thee in this life and may he not keep from thee the King- 
dom of Heaven. All our family thank you, may the 
Lord save you all. Polia Chursinova. 

Fifth month 12. Arrived at Yorkton last evening about 
nine hours after leaving the last Doukhobor village and 
felt very grateful that we had not been left in the dark. 

Visited James Crerar and learned from him that he 
had been instructed not to enter any homesteads on the 
Doukhobor reserves until further notice. I felt that was 
a point gained and being told that my visit through the 
colonies had had a good influence I ought to feel paid 
that I was counted worthy to endure all that I had passed 
through. 



440 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1902 

Fifth month ij. Before leaving Duck Lake to-day I 
took the precaution to purchase an ax and some rope and 
with a goodly supply of provisions started out with a 
rather fearful heart. Reached the village Spasofka and 
was given a good welcome by the villagers who quickly 
collected. The Address was read and some printed 
copies given to those who could read them. Ivan Prepel- 
koff was the chief speaker. He said they had a letter 
from the Yorkton brethren who told them that grand- 
father had been there but had said nothing about the 
men letting their horses have their liberty and they doing 
the work themselves. I replied that they might write and 
tell them that grandfather did not come to find fault, but 
he would like them to take hold of the plough-handles 
and let the horse do the ploughing, that was what the 
horse were given us for, and ask them how could I have 
visited them without horses ? God had given us dominion 
over the beast of the field, and the patriarchs had their 
horses and flocks, and the Saviour rode on a colt and ate 
fish with the Disciples. I. P. went on to say how he felt 
about eating meat and he did not want to kill a lamb. I 
told him I did not kill the cattle but I eat meat and let 
my sons work up one or two thousand pounds of tallow 
in a day for soap, and they (the Doukhobors) had leather 
and sheep-skins for boots and coats, whereupon the 
whole company of women stood up to thank me for the 
soap that was sent them. I was then told that the children 
loved me. I said: "Well, let some one go out and tell 



Age 72 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 441 

them Grandfather wants to see them." A whole troop 
of them gathered outside and I went out and took each 
by the hand and had a very nice parting and religious 
opportunity with the children and their parents. Ivan 
Prepelkoff had love enough for me to get in our wagon 
and ride several miles with us and kissed me twice on 
parting. I remarked that they had prospered greatly 
since my last visit; so nearly rebuilt that I could hardly 
recognize the village; eighty cows, and enough more 
cattle to number over a hundred, fifty-six work horses, 
and so many potatoes that they had been giving some to 
the cattle. 

Fifth month 18. After reading the Address in one of 
the villages there was the usual expression of thanks, 
then came the remark: "We are all taking up home- 
steads," to which I could respond : "That is what I want 
to hear. You have shown that the land will produce 
enough to support you; your cattle and other animals 
have increased and to know you have secured your land 
for an inheritance will be a great comfort." They said 
the Yorkton brethren were making unnecessary trouble. 

One apparently middle aged asked me if I could tell 
where the soul of the good people went when they left 
this world, he had read that when we died that was the 
last of us. I replied that our bodies went to dust, but the 
souls of the righteous went to God, who breathed into 
the nostrils of man the breath of life and he became a 
living soul which could not be said of any other creature 



442 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON . 1902 

than man, who was created in the image of God, and if 
our ways pleased God, the spirits, when these bodies went 
to dust, would go to be with God in the Eternal City, that 
the glory of God did lighten with his presence, and the 
Lamb of God was the Light thereof. Jesus Christ was 
this Lamb of God. It seemed to be my opening for an 
enlargement upon the fundamental principles of Chris- 
tianity. I believe that what I offered had a hearty 
response in the hearts of many and there was as great a 
manifestation of love toward me as I need want to see. 
I do not wonder that James Smart could say of that 
village and some others that they were the happiest 
people he met in the Northwest. 

Fifth month 2/. A very pleasing incident took place 
this evening. Ivan Prepelkoff came to me and said he 
came twelve miles to see me. He was one that had much 
to say on registration. Now he came to tell me that he 
with two of his brothers and a nephew had been to the 
Immigration Agent and taken up a section of land so as 
to be together. This was a comfort to me and he 
acknowledged that it had been from love or sympathy 
for me that he did it. 

Fifth month 28. I was surprised to see Peter Jansen 
at the Rosthern Station. He and a companion were out 
on business and had visited one or two Doukhobor vil- 
lages and were pleased at the progress that had been 
made. I took the train with Peter Jansen and enjoyed 
his company, but the trend of our conversation was inter- 



Age 72 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 443 

rupted when we came to the Saskatchewan River where 
the train was emptied of its passengers and their baggage. 
The bridge had not been carried away but the water, 
having risen twenty-five feet above the average, had 
washed away the bank at one end. Thirteen hundred 
feet over ties was no inviting walk with the rushing 
waters beneath. We had to walk up an incline plane to 
get to the bridge where we found a plank about a foot 
wide had been laid over the ties, which was very helpful 
as far as it went; but it was evident that all confidence 
was not placed in the ''old gentleman'' as he was called 
and he was told several times to look up, but he was not 
going to look up, it was neither the stars overhead nor 
the rushing waters underneath that he wished to see, but 
where his feet went. As long as there was bridge-work 
along the side P. Jansen could walk on the strong pieces 
and take hold of my arm, but when we were at the end 
of the bridge-work and the plank stopped. Peter Jansen 
called to a friend of his to come over and take the other 
arm of the ''old gentleman," so he was escorted over the 
remaining ties ; when we felt we were on solid ground 
all three of us must needs take a seat and rest awhile, but 
the mosquitoes were so troublesome we had to keep 
moving. 

We finally started and the train travelled very slowly, 
and we had many delays on account of washouts and 
water on the tracks, etc. Peter Jansen was very kind 
and twice during the day he made and served me with 



444 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1902 

a drink that he said was more nourishing than beef tea.* 

Fifth month 30. We are now at Winnipeg. I do not 
know that I ever remember a message from home, when I 
was absent, "All well here," bringing more tenderness of 
feeling with it than the one I received last evening. 

Sixth month 2. Peter Jansen left to-day having com- 
summated his business. I will probably await the arrival 
of Helen Moreland who is coming to teach the Doukhobor 
children, having come from England for that purpose. 

Sixth month 12. Met my son Joseph and Helen More- 
land at the station. Took them to the hotel, after which 
we made our way to the Immigration Hall where they 
were introduced to some of the officials. 

Sixth month 16. Went to the Immigration Building 
and bid farewell to the officials there. It was with tender 
feelings that we parted, for I not only have been kindly 
treated but there has been an attachment formed that 
may be ranked among my providences. Charles Jones 
was at the station to see me off. 

Sixth month 19. Had a delightful trip on the Lakes 
and have now started for Toronto and from there I hope 
to go to Pickering with the intention of attending one or 
more sittings of Canada Yearly Meeting. 

Sixth month 21. By taking the Lake Route I did not 
reach Pickering in time for the Meeting for Sufferings 



*(J. S. E. was in a suffering and very weak condition, the 
result of a very rough and exposing ride a few days previous 
on the prairie.) 



Age 72 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 445 

or Meeting of Ministers and Elders. The Yearly Meet- 
ing however opened in the morning of the 20th in joint 
session with about seventy Friends present. 

Sixth month 27. On arrival in Montreal I called on 
Daniel McNichol, Second Vice-President of the Rail- 
road. I told him that I had not come to ask anything 
special but being about to leave Canada I wished him to 
know that I had appreciated the courtesy and assistance 
that had been given me by the officials in Canada the past 
three years or more whilst engaged in promoting the 
welfare of the Doukhobors. Took the 7.30 P. M. train 
for Philadelphia. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Visit to Indians in New York, New England and 
Nova Scotia. 

Seventh month 18. We had the company of Governor 
Goto of Formosa and a few others at our summer home 
in Malvern. 

Ninth month 22. To-day I had sixteen callers. I did 
not see them all. Some called socially, but most of them 
wanted assistance in carrying on their benevolent pro- 
jects. It is somewhat taxing and requires a measure of 
heavenly wisdom to act with judgment and leave a right 
impression upon the minds of the visitors. Whilst I may 
get weary in my work, I do not want to get weary of it ; 
but that my life may be so spent that the talent of 
influence may be properly exerted and that the design of 
the Great Giver may be answered so as to bring praise to 
his great and holy Name. 

First month 1, 1903. There was apparently less fool- 
ishness than usual exhibited in the city and there is 
reason to believe that some check was put upon it by the 
Mayor. I have had interviews on different occasions 
with the present Mayor and two of those who preceded 
him on the subject of a more decisive action in the sup- 
pression of immorality. I feel that the Lord has been a 
good paymaster, having been given food and raiment and 
been supported in many religious engagements, and have 
been favored with the society of some of the most spiritu- 

446 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 447 

ally minded men and women of our day. I have reason to 
trust that a sufficiency of the needs and comforts of this 
life may be afforded with a well grounded hope that my 
departure from this world will be an entrance in that 
Heavenly Home where sorrow and sighing are unknown. 

First month 25. A message received tells of the death 
of Charles Rhoads. There will be many sorrowing hearts, 
but we trust he has gone to a better inheritance. He was 
a man of talent, both natural and spiritual. 

Second month 7. Being in Washington on business 
concerning the Freeland Bill, I had occasion to call on 
Senator George F. Hoar, of Massachusetts, who, after 
we had finished our conversation on the bill, said he 
wanted me to see his wife. They were friends of John 
and Elizabeth Bellows and the visit was a very interesting 
one to me. I had an interview with Senator M. S. Quay, 
who assured me that the bill would not be allowed to 
pass Congress that day and he wanted a committee ap- 
pointed to go to Salamanca to view the premises. He 
was fathering a protest signed by 629 Indians. 

I visited the Congressional Library and was courte- 
ously received by the Librarian, who gave me to under- 
stand that any books I might be inclined to send to the 
Library would be acceptable. I had a very satisfactory 
interview with President Roosevelt. He manifested good 
humor in his salutation, saying, "Well, Friend Joseph I 
am very happy to see thee, how is thee?" I spoke of the 
measure of preservation that had been afforded and the 



448 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

hope that Heavenly wisdom and support would be given 
him. On his asking what he could do for me, I re- 
sponded, "Watch over the Indians for good." He re- 
plied, "I will." 

Third month 6. Son William started for Anderson to- 
day on a business trip. He is a faithful son and bears 
much responsibility; may our Heavenly Father support 
him and favor him with those serious impressions, giving 
heed to which he may be truly blessed. A father's 
prayers, for the support, guidance and preservation of all 
my children (one of whom is in the distance) do indeed 
seem to be in place. 

Fifth month 6. We came to Malvern to enjoy the 
benefits of our summer home. I appreciate the retreat 
afforded by the rest at this place and the society of my 
little family. 

Fifth month 28. A few years ago I received notice 
of having been chosen a manager of the Christian League, 
an association of men of character who are supposed 
to have the ear of those in authority, in pleading for 
efficient measures for the suppression of immorality and 
vice. I asked to have a younger man and one better 
adapted for the work, appointed in my place, but not- 
withstanding my repeated protestations, my name has 
been retained. I had attended no meeting; until this 
afternoon there was an Annual Meeting at which I felt 
as if I might be in a place. I was impressed with the 
report of the great amount of work that appeared to 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 449 

have been accomplished the past year, and the hopeful 
view taken by the League, that there was an improve- 
ment in the moral atmosphere of the community. On 
the reappointment of officers, I again asked for my name 
to be striken off, as I did not want to be on an appoint- 
ment where I did not work, but the desire for my con- 
tinuance was so strongly expressed that I did not insist 
further. I was very respectfully heard while speaking 
on different subjects. 

In a joint session of our Monthly Meeting this morn- 
ing I expressed a concern to visit in gospel love the rem- 
nants of the Indian Tribes in New York, New England 
and Nova Scotia and to perform such other religious 
labor as may be called for amongst them. 

Fifth month jr. Have received a letter from Zebedee 
Haines, expressing his intention to accompany me on my 
visit to the Indians in New York State. 

An Address to Friends in Norway by J. S. E. Fourth 
month 28, 1903: 

To friends in Norway who are honestly concerned for 
the upholding of a standard of Truth and Righteousness 
before the people, whom I desire to salute in the love of 
the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

May the God of Peace sanctify you wholly that you 
may be preserved in the power of God to the end of your 
service on earth and to be enabled to stand with accept- 
ance before the Judge of the whole earth. 

"Be ye steadfast, immovable, abounding in the work of 



450 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

the Lord" from whom the precious trust has been re- 
ceived for upholding the doctrines of Communion, Reve- 
lation and Inspiration and that our lives and labor in 
the consistency and experience of the efficacy of this 
belief will not be in vain. 

It is the office of our Holy Redeemer to restore into 
the blessed Communion in which man was first created 
but lost through transgression. The promised seed is 
but another name for the Light of Christ enlightening 
everyone who cometh into the world and they who give 
due place to this Light, opening their understanding, will 
certainly know of the mind and will of our Heavenly 
Father communicated to them, and such shall be endued 
with power from on High to act in accordance therewith. 
The blessing of repentance, the blessing of forgiveness, 
the blessing of preservation, the blessing of support in 
the lines of appointment and service for his great Name's 
sake, will be realized. 

Many false teachings, calculated to lower the true 
standard, are in vogue. The Jews of old were called 
upon to abstain from idolatry and bear testimony to the 
oneness of the true and living God, but in their denial 
of Christ the glory departed from them. 

We are called to bear testimony to the oneness of the 
true and living God and with that a testimony to the 
Divinity of Jesus Christ and that of the increase of his 
government there is to be no end. Striking at the root 
of all priestcraft and all foolish and hurtful lusts we are, 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 451 

through the light and power of that Grace and Truth 
which cometh by Jesus Christ, to live soberly in this 
present world with the hope of a blessed immortality in 
view. 

The Church has had its chastening and afflictions be- 
cause of evildoers who depart from the true faith, but 
very precious is the current of life and invisible fellow- 
ship in the Gospel that is known among those who in 
heavenly wisdom are contending for the faith once deliv- 
ered to the saints. Such having been really baptized into 
Christ, eating of the same spiritual bread, drinking the 
same spiritual drink, walking by the same rule and mind- 
ing the same thing demonstrate that the end of their con- 
versation was Christ Jesus the same yesterday, to-day and 
forever. 

The recognition of the principles of Truth as professed 
by our forefathers in the Truth will tend to the welfare 
of the world and the peace of God for ourselves. They 
who make and keep their covenants with the Lord will 
have their souls satisfied by the Lord. 

Some, near the close of their lengthened life, have 
borne unequivocal testimony to the supporting power of 
Divine Grace, and some who have traveled much over 
the world and been observed of men have borne testi- 
mony to the effect that if the young men of the Society 
of Friends would keep to their principles they would do 
more good in the world than all others and have more 
comfort in their own minds. 



452 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

One who had a high standing amongst statesmen and 
the learned men said he believed that the Society of 
Friends as represented by our Yearly Meeting came 
nearer the purity of doctrine than any other since the 
Apostles' days. 

Another eminent statesmen said to me on his dying 
bed : 'Tell your young men to keep to their principles." 

I have met with Norwegians, both men and women, 
who have ornamented their calling. The desire of my 
heart is that the young and rising generation may not be 
led into lying vanities, but that, as in generations past, 
there may still be witnesses of the Divine power who will 
not be ashamed of the yoke and cross of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and that as the responsibilities increase none may 
faint or be wearied in well-doing, but be kept in their 
integrity supported in the wisdom and power of the 
Gospel. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. In 
sincerity, your friend, 

(Signed) Jos. S. Elkinton. 

At a Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, held Fifth 
month 28, 1903, in a joint session of men and women Friends. 

Our dear Friend Joseph S. Elkinton submitted for the con- 
sideration and judgment of this meeting a concern to visit, in 
the love of the Gospel, the remnants of the Indian tribes in 
New York, New England and Nova Scotia, and to hold meetings 
and perform such other religious labor as may be called for 
among them and perhaps among others whose residences border 
on the reservations of these Indian tribes. 

Much unity and sympathy were expressed with the proposed 
visit of our Friend, and he is liberated by this meeting to per- 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 453 

form the service as the great Head of the Church may enable 
and direct. Joseph S. Elkinton is a minister in unity with us. 

The meeting directs that a copy of this minute, signed by the 
Clerks of both Men and Women's Meetings, be furnished to 
Joseph S. Elkinton. Taken from the Minutes. 

Edwin P. Sellew, 
Axxa Walton, Clerks. 
Ephraim Smith, Correspondent. 

At a stated meeting of the Indian Committee, held Sixth 
month 16, 1903: 

Our friends, Joseph S. Elkinton and Zebedee Haines, who 
are now with us, having a prospect of paying a visit in the love 
of the Gospel to the Indians on the Allegheny and Chattaraugus 
Reservations, and also to remnants of other Indian tribes in 
the state of New York, in whose welfare the Society of Friends 
in this neighborhood and this committee have long felt a warm 
interest, the information of this proposed visit was cordial to 
our feelings and we desire to express our sympathy with and 
encouragement of our friends in this undertaking, desiring that 
the bonds of friendship which have been so long maintained 
between these people and Friends may thus be strengthened. 

A copy of this minute is directed to be furnished to each 
of these Friends. Taken from the Minutes. 

George J. Scattergood, Clerk. 

Sixth month 20. Met Zebedee Haines at Broad Street 
Station last evening as agreed upon, and we took train 
for Olean, thence to Tunesassa, where we were met and 
cordially received. 

The impression from what conversation I have had 
thus far has been that there is a very marked advance 
in the speaking or use of the English language, not with 
the younger ones alone but also by the older people. 

Sixth month 21. We seemed to have no need of an 



454 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

interpreter. Only once before do I remember holding a 
meeting among the Indians without one, and one Indian 
told me after meeting to-day he thought nearly all we 
said was understood. 

Sixth month 25. Our meeting this morning at the 
school ended with a sweetness of feeling. Both Z. H. 
and myself have more physical strength than a month 
ago. I can speak well of my native air, and whilst there 
have been exercises in carrying on the work for the 
benefit of the natives, there are evidences of its having 
been owned. We cannot ignore the fact that with the 
increase of years the nerves may weaken, and to keep the 
head above the waters may be more of a struggle than 
we may feel equal to, yet we know it is not the design 
of our Heavenly Father that we should be overwhelmed, 
and as our Saviour could walk on the waters there is no 
reason to question his willingness to reach forth his hand 
to keep us from sinking. 

Sixth month 28. Retiring into our room after meeting, 
the voices of the girls in the open window of their sit- 
ting room, close by, sounded as if they wanted to have 
a meeting or exercises after their own fashion. I thought 
a few days ago, that the boys had rather gotten ahead 
of the faculty, but the girls seemed decidedly ahead of 
the boys with their singing in concert. Their voices 
were clear and enchanting, but there is doubt in its being 
in right ordering; it is not according to the teaching by 
the ancient type of Friends, and I am thinking what kind 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 455 

of answer we have to make for having a singing school. 
I suppose some of us will have to bear our burdens and 
jog on. 

Sixth month 29. If not disappointed I expect my be- 
loved wife had our son William and family with her 
to-day at Malvern, their last visit with her before they 
embark on the mighty ocean under the protecting care 
of the Ruler of the Universe. We do love them deeply 
and fondly as is natural to the human heart, and hope 
for their preservation, as plants of righteousness to 
flourish in the courts of our God. And whether their 
lives are spared to old age, or be cut off at an earlier 
period, that may it all be in righteousness, and having 
served their generation according to the Divine will, may 
they be gathered into the heavenly port of rest and 
peace. 

Seventh month 2. We had a very good meeting at 
Piney Woods. Z. H. is one in whom we can take satis- 
faction as being adapted for gospel work among the 
Indians. There was an intercession alluding to the 
strong temptations, and that grace might be given to 
overcome them. An aged Indian came to my side after 
meeting and whispered in my ear, ''Good preach, you 
two stand here until they come and take your hands." 
which they nearly all did. 

Seventh month 10. At a meeting on the Tuscarora 
Reservation, after our certificates were read, I endeav- 
ored to give a correct impression of what was implied 



456 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

by visiting in gospel love; that there was something 
deeper than mere reciprocation of kindly acts, there was 
that which sought to be knit to the hidden and best life. 
And by influence and example we encouraged those 
visited, to keep to what they knew was the Truth, deliv- 
ering such messages as might be entrusted to us for the 
people. In our visiting we might be instructed ourselves, 
by the insight given us of what the Lord was doing for 
his people. After the meeting, the Baptist minister pro- 
posed that Z. H. attend his place of Worship and I 
another on First-day morning and all to meet together 
in the evening, which after a hurried consultation we 
decided to accept, but that we would in no wise promise 
that we would speak. A ride over the Reservation is 
in prospect for to-morrow. 

Seventh month iy. Last evening we had something of 
an experience at the close of the meeting. We were 
taken to the meeting by an aged Indian (grandfather 
Griffen) who is 83 years of age and has but one eye; 
he has eighty descendants, children, grandchildren and 
great-grandchildren. He had rather a frisky horse and 
the night was very dark. After we were all in the 
wagon the nag was started but "Grandfather GrifTen's" 
one eye was not quite bright enough to measure distances 
accurately in the dark and my eyes were not much better 
but my ears soon heard some crashing and I soon became 
aware of something going on. Z. H., the most agile of the 
three, was soon at the horse's head and I scrambled out 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 457 

as quickly as I could, "Frisky" in the meantime was doing 
something at skinning his own shanks, but so they were 
not ours we might be thankful. We soon discovered 
that we had overturned another wagon and were in a 
tangle, which took some time to get straightened out. 
As soon as the horses were under control, the greatest 
concern to us was whether any one was hurt ; finding no 
evidence of that being the case, the overturned vehicle 
was righted. I was given a passage in another convey- 
ance with a lantern and Z. H. returned with "Grand- 
father Griffen" and "Frisky." Upon asking Z. H. how 
they fared on the way, he replied that "not a word 
passed between them and the horse." Those who took 
me in, were in a one-seated affair, I sat beside an Indian 
woman of about 250 lbs, and the man who stood behind 
and drove, was somewhat smaller than his wife. We 
retired with hearts a little too thankful for instant 
sleeping. 

Seventh month 18. To-day I had a cordial interview 
with Thomas La Forte, who made some very touching 
remarks regarding my father. Thomas La Forte said 
that at the time of the civil war, 16 of their young men 
had gone into the army and had such hardships they 
wanted to be released; a delegation, of which he was 
one, went to Philadelphia and were received and homed 
by my father. My father told them that every breath 
of President Lincoln seemed to be spent for the people 
and it was doubtful about their getting to see him, but 



458 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

advised their seeking an interview with William H. 
Seward, which they did, and he succeeded in getting 
them a hearing before the President. They told Presi- 
dent Lincoln what Joseph Elkinton had said, to which 
he pleasantly replied : "I know he is a good man, now 
don't make a long speech but tell me what you want me 
to do. They said there are 16 of our Indians in the 
army who were not treated right and we want you to 
release them; he answered "I will" and wrote an order 
for their release. 

Thomas La Forte also told an affecting incident of 
two Indian boys out in a cold storm who were refused 
shelter by a hotel-keeper who said no Indian had or ever 
should enter his home. The boys pleaded but in vain 
and they had to pass on, spending all night in getting to 
their home, and thinking it very hard that those who 
called themselves Christians and were civilizing the 
Indians should treat them thus. They could not see 
that such people were any better than the Indians they 
called heathen, who had learned that Christ had said 
"As ye would that others should do to you, do ye even 
so to them." In the course of time two men were snowed 
up in front of an Indian house, snow four feet deep and 
no trail. The travellers made their way to that Indian 
home and asked to be taken in. "Yes." "Can we have 
something to eat?" "Yes, the best we have." "Can our 
horses get under cover?" "Yes and some feed and some 
hay, you may have all the best we have." After awhile 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 459 

the Indian smiled as he recognized the hotel-keeper, but 
waited until the snow allowed them to go safely on their 
way and they wanted to pay for the hospitality received. 
"No pay, I have treated you as I want to be treated and 
as I want you to treat strangers; you civilized called us 
heathen, but Christ says, do unto others as you would 
have others do unto you/' The hotel-keeper put a fifty 
dollar note under the pillow in the bed-room with a note 
asking to be forgiven and hoped he would never turn a 
stranger from his door again. 

Seventh month 22. The evening meeting was a very 
satisfactory one. The Truth set forth by Z. H. and the 
tone and spirit of his supplication for them I thought an 
excellent closing of his exercises for the Indians in 
Western New York, and so far as they are concerned 
in this part of the heritage I feel clear, trusting I have 
not exceeded my commission ; we have been dealt with 
bountifully from on High. 

Eighth month 2. West Falmouth. When the convey- 
ance from the Livery came to take John H. Dillingham, 
J. S. Gidley, Wm. Mekeel and myself to our appointed 
meeting, an expression was made: "What an awful 
looking horse !" and whilst I would not have chosen him 
for beauty yet "raw-bones'' did better than was expected 
of him for we came in sight of the Indian Chapel of the 
Wagnoits at South Mashpie at exactly three o'clock. We 
met a wagon-load on our way travelling towards West 
Falmouth, which we hailed ; they had not heard of the 



460 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

meeting and I pleaded with them to turn back. One of 
them said he was going to buy swine; I told him that 
I made a business bargain once in my life on the First- 
day of the week and got enough of it, for it ended very 
unsatisfactorily. Their horses were turned and part of 
the load came to meeting. I was afterwards told that one 
woman (not knowing about the afternoon meeting) had 
remarked to another in the morning, that she wished 
they could have a meeting and my impression is they 
thought they had a "blessed meeting." 

Eighth month J. In one of the Indian houses that we 
visited to-day there was over the door a square tablet on 
which were the words "Christ is the Head of this house ; 
the unseen Guest at every meal; the silent Listener to 
every conversation." 

While riding around among the Indians, John H. 
Dillingham showed us where he taught school at the age 
of sixteen; he had sixteen scholars, the oldest being a 
girl of sixteen years of age. He afterwards went to 
college but said that from that first winter spent in 
teaching he was self-supporting. 

Eighth month 5. A few years ago when the question 
was agitated whether the Indians would become citizens 
and have their Reservation of about 2300 acres divided 
in severalty, they decided to remain as they were at least 
for five years longer, which disappointed the Legislature 
of Massachusetts, for it had hoped the decision would 
be otherwise. Abraham Rodman came home and told 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 461 

his wife how the vote had gone; she said "and did you 
vote that way?" "Yes" was the answer and she as much 
as said she was not going to have it so, and set herself 
to work going from house to house for signatures to have 
the decision reversed, then took it to Boston and was 
given a hearing before the Legislature. She was given a 
letter to the Mayor of Boston who wept with joy at the 
sight of it and came to Gay Head to assist in having the 
provisions of the proposed change carried out. At first 
the old Chiefs cried, but things finally settled down and 
all seemed to become satisfied with having their Reserva- 
tion changed into a town with the right of the inhabitants 
to vote, etc. All the Indians now in Massachusetts are 
citizens. 

Eighth month ig. To-day I made my third attempt to 
see Big Thunder on Indian Island, my two previous calls 
having been unsuccessful. As to the "Thunder" he has 
plenty of it ; when I told him that the Governor had sent 
a message that he wanted him to come to our meeting to 
be held this afternoon at the Governor's house, he said 
"I am not going; I don't want any religion and I don't 
believe in it." To which I responded "Religion is just 
what a man needs to give him power over evil and raise 
him up into that which is good." "Well now," said he, 
"I will tell you what I do believe, that there is a Great 
Spirit that is all about us, we ask Him what we will do." 
I replied "Now that is granting a fundamental principle 
of all true religion, if we mind what the Great Spirit tells 



462 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

and shows us, we are then on the foundation of all relig- 
ion. And if we will fear God and work righteousness, the 
Great Spirit will be pleased with us ; every people under 
heaven may have their own name for the Great Spirit 
and there will be some among them who can tell of his 
wonderful works." Big Thunder said : "I am not going 
to confess my sins to any man," at which another broke 
out, " Neither will I," which encouraged me to go on and 
say, "We don't want anyone to come between us and our 
Maker but Jesus Christ, He was always with God before 
He came on earth and did the works which no other man 
did, and after his life was taken from the earth, He 
appeared again and was seen of men ; it is He who is 
sent to bless us by turning us away from our iniquities." 

Eighth month 25. Visited an aged Indian grand- 
mother who said she liked the people of God to come to 
see her. Her grand-daughter interpreted for me and said 
she could make her grandmother understand what I said. 
When we were about to leave the good old woman stood 
up and delivered such a sermon in plain English as would 
not have been a discredit to any one in a meeting of 
Ministers and Elders. It was spoken in the wisdom of 
God. 

Eighth month 26. Have read some letters from home. 
I feel interested in our children in the distance. With 
unfeigned words, I can say, "Oh ! Lord, watch over 
them for good as also over those of us this side of the 
great water. Some things are too much for utterance 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 463 

and it starts the tears to go back and join with thee (my 
dear wife) in contemplating the time when dear mother 
Patterson's purified spirit left the body to be amongst 
the celestial ones." 

Eighth month 28. I have had a glimpse of the location 
of a curiosity of which there is said to be only one like 
it in the world and that in India. It is a reversing fall 
of water, caused by a descent of fifteen feet making a 
decided fall, but when the tide returns it makes the water 
go back and make a fall nearly as great the other way; 
to say driving water up hill may be a risky expression; 
but what else can be made of it ? I saw it when the water 
was very nearly level, and again later, when it was at its 
roughest or wildest point. A wonderful sight ! 

Eighth month 29. Received a postal couched in such 
terms that I think it best to return to attend the Douk- 
hobor Committee to meet in Philadelphia next Fourth- 
day Ninth month 2, 1903. 

Ninth month 1. Left St. John last evening returning 
to Philadelphia thence to Malvern where I arrived about 
9.30 this P. M. 

Ninth month 18. I have been brought into very close 
exercise as to whether under existing circumstances I 
had better join Jonathan E. Rhoads, William Evans and 
Job S. Gidley in a journey to Winnepeg to consult with 
Peter Verigin on the subject of establishing schools 
among the Doukhobors. It has been a proving time to 
me for it is a great disappointment to forego the oppor- 



464 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

tunity of meeting with Peter Verigin, but as there seemed 
hardly enough light to justify my going I have decided 
to remain at home until the time comes to resume my 
work among the Indians. 

Ninth month 24. Not having been to our factory for 
several months I felt that I would like to make a visit 
there and go all through it and speak to all the men. 
My feelings were solemnized in the thought of how the 
time will come for loosening the hold on terrestrial 
things. The Lord may be served by a proper attention 
to business, but with steady purpose of seeking first the 
Kingdom of Heaven and the righteousness thereof in 
the hope, faith and belief that necessary things will be 
added. 

Tenth month p. Zebedee Haines has come to the city 
and we expect to start this evening to finish the service 
among the Indians in Nova Scotia, having been called 
home before finishing my visit among the Indians on 
Long Island, Nova Scotia and parts of Canada south of 
the St. Lawrence River. 

Tenth month 19. Catharine Churchill at Yarmouth, 
Nova Scotia, told an interesting incident of how she felt 
impressed to visit a consumptive who was nearing the 
end of his course on earth. As he had admitted there 
was no hope for his continuance in this life, she spoke 
to him about the preparation for eternity, to which he 
responded that he had been guilty of every crime except 
that of murder ; he had done about everything else in the 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 465 

line of wrong doing and his heart was as hard as a stone 
and he said she could not break it. She replied that she 
could not, but the power of God could break it. She sat 
by his side a considerable time but could say no more; 
she rose and stood, the tears flowing while she was 
silently engaged in intercession on his behalf, until she 
saw the poor man raise his hand and say, "My God ! He 
has broken my heart." 

Tenth month 21. At the Indian settlement at Bear 
River we learned that the Reservation consists of sixteen 
hundred acres and is capable with proper attention to 
cultivation of supporting all the Indians who have homes 
on it. The Reservation extends between the East Branch 
and West Branch of the Bear River down to the junction 
and is said to be good farming land. The Canadian 
Government, on the whole, manifests marked kindness ; 
it schools the children, does much for the poor, makes 
an appropriation for funerals, also pays doctor bills, fur- 
nishes seeds, and if an Indian from another Settlement 
comes on the Reservation with a fair promise of staying 
to improve the land, the Government will help him to 
build. 

Eleventh month 2. We visited an Indian settlement 
to-day that surpassed anything we have yet seen in Nova 
Scotia, for thrift. The location was on an extensive 
plain well cleared and with beautiful scenery. There 
were cows, sheep, geese and chickens in evidence and it 
was pleasing to see such a village of well built houses, 



466 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

with out-buildings and signs of farming operations. 
There was much general intelligence manifested. 

Eleventh month 6. Among our calls to-day was one 
to the Chief of a colony, whom we found making shovel 
handles. He reports himself to be 75 years of age. 
Speaking on the subject of religion he said "Some of the 
Indians believe what the clergymen say and some do 
not." Z. H. answered, "We find that everywhere, and 
enlarged on the offices of the Holy Spirit and spoke of 
the contrast between the prosperity attending the Chris- 
tian and the unbeliever. He also alluded to the manner 
in which Wm. Penn treated with the Indians on peace- 
able and just principles. This brought out the Chief 
who said he never believed that war was right ; the view 
he expressed of doing right in the sight of God was 
cordial to me. I never heard an Indian use the Bible 
name for our Creator before, they generally use the term 
Great Spirit which is a very proper expression for the 
Great Name. We were thanked heartily for calling, and 
this has been very generally done on parting in all of the 
visited homes, giving us reason to believe our visits are 
acceptable. The Indians in this part of the country and 
throughout Canada are mostly under Roman Catholic 
influence, thus we have avoided holding meetings and 
have contented ourselves with visiting the schools and 
homes. On the whole we have escaped pretty well from 
coming into collision with the priests. Now and then 
we have had a direct pointed question from some faithful 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 467 

Catholic, "What you come for?" But as soon as they 
comprehended our mission they became open and cordial 
and in no case can we say we were not well received. 
Our communications were brief and pointed, endeavor- 
ing to testify to the root and ground-work of true religion 
and Jesus Christ as the Author and Finisher of our faith, 
sent to bless us by turning us away from our iniquities ; 
and those who would be turned should find their peace 
made with the Great Spirit through or by him. 

Eleventh month 7. On approaching Pictou, we were 
given a pretty view of the harbor, and I had my first 
interview with a Catholic priest on this journey; he was 
a young man and stationed at Pictou. He addressed me 
as a stranger in these parts and seemed disposed to be 
sociable so I endeavored to be the same. He told me 
where the Indians were, and represented that hunting 
and fishing were more and more being given up, and 
those about Pictou were occupied in unloading vessels. 
I told him that I had had interviews with most of the 
rectors of the Roman Catholics in Philadelphia. 

Eleventh month 10. We were again called upon by the 
Catholic priest whom we met a few days ago. He 
wanted to know our view of the Indians we had visited 
at the settlement on the other side of the harbor. I 
talked about the sweet tone of their language and their 
fluency in speaking the English language, and inasmuch 
as he said hunting and fishing were being less practiced, 
there should be a steady care maintained to assist and 



468 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

encourage them in their efforts in every useful direction. 
I endeavored to go a little deeper, but with caution and 
prudence; he voluntarily gave information concerning 
the natives around Heatherton where they have an 
Indian priest. 

Eleventh month JJ. We have been on the Indian trail 
to-day in the neighborhood of Whycocomagh and in one 
home Simeon Barker gave us quite an account of Ben 
Christmas having started this settlement, received some 
learning and left the Catholic faith which set them 
against him and they concluded they must not send their 
children to school, and now it was very hard to get over 
that feeling. I told how Red Jacket did not want Indian 
children to go to school to learn to cheat and steal like 
white folk, until he saw the advantage in being able to 
read and then he wanted school-teachers to teach the 
Indians how to make paper talk. This amused Simeon 
very much and he said the children must be schooled. 
The natives in Nova Scotia and here-a-way are expert 
in making butter and wash tubs, handles for axes and 
other implements. 

Eleventh month 16. On arrival at Charlottetown we 
went to the Queen's Hotel and as the office was not par- 
ticularly inviting we retired to our rooms. The lock of 
my chamber-door was out of order and as there seemed 
to be no other fastening I barricaded the door with the 
writing-table and chairs. Somewhere about midnight 
there was a big racket at the door. I called out, "Joseph 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 469 

S. Elkinton is here, and was shown into the room by the 
landlady/' whereupon there was a lull and a seeming 
retreat. I rose, turned on the light and readjusted the 
barricade and turned back into bed where I slept until 
morning. We left after an early breakfast and went to 
the Indian Reservation, but on our return to Charlotte- 
town we hunted up another hotel. 

Eleventh month 22. We visited an Indian chief to-day 
where there seemed to be quite a household gathering. 
He would insist upon our taking dinner there and accom- 
panying us on our visits from house to house. They 
gave us a very palatable meat pot-pie dinner; the chief 
was seventy-four years old. 

Eleventh month 25. We came to Adirondack Junction. 
At the station a man with a rickety wagon and a poor 
horse offered to take us to the residence of John James 
Oke. Such a sight of Indian habitations (some of them 
stone) I never saw. There is a broad street and the 
houses built regularly. J. J. Oke has a nice residence 
with the St. Lawrence beating up against a stone wall 
that does not seem more than fifty feet from the window 
where I sat. He confirmed the impression that the body 
of the people here were Roman Catholics and also all 
the directors of the government schools. The Methodists 
however have a school of their own which we visited ; 
the fact that such a school is tolerated is an evidence 
that light is springing up and surely it is the Lord's will, 
that to those who sit in darkness light shall be manifest, 



470 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

and some of his servants must be pioneers in the work. 
We were told that the Reservation at Caughnawaga is 
nine miles long and six wide and inhabited by 3000 In- 
dians ; 2300 residing in the town, the men mostly 
mechanics and some doing business for themselves. They 
have a good store kept by an Indian. The 700 Indians 
outside of the town are mostly farmers who have a good 
market for their produce. J. J. Oke said that in the 
evening the attendance at his meetings was much larger 
than in the morning as the Roman Catholics came, not 
being seen as in the day time. He spoke of one hundred 
to one hundred and twenty attending, whereas the enroll- 
ment as Methodists is forty-eight. 

Eleventh month 27. From Hogansburg we were taken 
a mile to the residence of Alexander Solomon who was 
not at home. His wife gave us a good welcome. Alexan- 
der Solomon's mother on hearing her daughter-in-law say 
"A Quaker Joseph S. Elkinton" stood up saying in 
Indian which was interpreted that she had been thinking 
of me all morning and my father talked to her in Seneca ; 
"very glad, very glad." It was one of the choicest and 
most remarkable visits since leaving home. After I 
offered what I had to say in a religious line, she rose and 
made a very feeling and beautiful response. 

Eleventh month 28. The Methodist minister took us 
from Hogansburg to St. Regis, where we found a man 
willing to take us over in a boat to Cornwall Island to 
visit Thomas Lory White, who twenty- four years ago, 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 471 

with chief Joseph Onesakamat paddled Joseph Walton 
and myself across the St. Lawrence River through the 
floating ice, such a perilous journey. Thomas recognized 
me and we had a touching visit. 

Eleventh month jo. We have finished our service 
among the Indians and leaving the minister's house with 
kindly expressions from him and his wife desiring our 
safe return home and a blessing on our future work, we 
leave the neighborhood of St. Regis for New York and 
Philadelphia. 

Twelfth month 24. The business meeting of our 
Monthly Meeting was opened in joint session when I 
gave my report and returned the minute granted me in 
the Fifth month. I stated that the service was begun 
under a sense that it would be attended with exercise, 
exposure and probably hardship, but I took courage from 
the expression made at the time the minute was granted 
and I had witnessed the fulfillment of what had been 
said on that occasion. Having been well received in all 
places visited, it was a confirmation that the work was 
of the Lord and with the measure of holy help mercifully 
vouchsafed to myself and those who joined me in the 
work, the service had been performed. The retrospect 
was attended with feelings of quiet and comfort and a 
settlement in the feeling that the Lord was not only able 
but willing to sustain those engaged in the work. Zebedee 
Haines with a minute from his Monthly Meeting accom- 



472 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1903 

panied me in the visit to six of the tribes in New York 
State and a Friend (Wm. Mekeel) in New York went 
with me through New England. In Massachusetts, 
John H. Dillingham took an interest by entertainment in 
his home and planning and assisting in carrying on the 
work on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. Returning 
home for a season Zebedee Haines had a renewal of his 
minute and was with me until the service was completed. 
In the Canadian Provinces where the Roman Catholics 
had considerable influence over the Indians, fewer meet- 
ings were held but the work was carried on from house 
to house, except where we could meet in the School- 
house or Council-house. No offence seemed to be taken 
anywhere and the ministry of Zebedee Haines was ac- 
ceptable wherever we went. Whilst there is the curse 
of intoxicating drink and other evils to be contended 
with, from the actions of unprincipled men, yet the 
general condition of the Indians had improved; they 
were better clothed and better housed; the blanket and 
the wigwam had disappeared. There was no house we 
visited, but some one or more of the occupants could 
speak the English language, owing to the schooling of 
the children. Their greetings and partings were in a 
very pleasant spirit and generally accompanied with an 
expression of thanks. In the Canadian Provinces there 
seemed to be a measure of light that had broken forth in 
contrast to the Unitarian, and it did seem as if there 



Age 73 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 473 

was a harvest field for qualified laborers; and those 
Friends who had gone out before us had left a good 
savor and so may we trust that in our late visit we have 
left an open door. 



CHAPTER XVI. 
Visit to Miners in Pennsylvania. 

Twelfth month 30. May the Lord help me in the dis- 
charge of my respective appointments and responsi- 
bilities, for it is a solemn thing to tread the Courts of 
the Lord, and we would hope for it to be done in such a 
way as to find acceptance. 

Twelfth month 31. My dear wife had a desire for the 
collection at our house of those of her relatives living 
in and near our city. It resulted in seventy-eight re- 
sponding to the invitation and they were here from 6 
to 8 this P. M. A choice company, who appeared to 
enjoy themselves and I was well satisfied with their 
being thus together, and I do not doubt my Malinda will 
enjoy the restrospect of having her relatives together. 
This I might say about closes the exercises of the year, 
having partaken of the Lord's mercies and loving kind- 
ness and hoping for a closer walk with Him and maturing 
for the final change that must ere long await, hope to 
receive of the Lord the greatest of all favors, even that 
of an endless life of blessedness. Blessed and praised 
be the name of the Lord. 

First month 14, 1904. We had a favored meeting this 
morning. I was led to express myself in supplication 
that told of the hidden exercise of my heart, and inter- 

474 



Age 74 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 475 

ceded for the compassionate regard of our Heavenly 
Father to be continued, that whilst desiring to fill the 
place designed for us, we might so far as consistent with 
the Divine will be enlightened to know the design of 
the Almighty in the dispensations in the line of his 
judgments. 

Would that our young people could more generally 
bring their minds to the observance of our testimonies to 
plainness of speech, behavior and apparel, when 
mingling with others; it would show forth the beauty 
there is in our principles and the value of them in keeping 
to simplicity and Godly sincerity. 

Third month 4. Since the great fire in Baltimore 
which occurred last month and according to accounts, 
thirteen hundred buildings were destroyed with an esti- 
mated loss of one hundred and twenty-five million 
dollars, my mind has been turned in sympathy to those 
who had so suddenly been deprived of so much property 
and submitted to so much inconvenience and discomfort 
in being obliged to seek other quarters. As it was a 
remarkably fine day I concluded to go to Baltimore, 
which I did and engaged a cab to take me through the 
burnt district and oh, the scene of devastation ! A 
pathway existed through where the streets had been, 
the rubbish being shovelled up on the sidewalks. Riding 
alone, gave opportunity for contemplation ; how uncer- 
tain were the riches men might accumulate as represented 



476 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1904 

in buildings, mining stocks or other investments belong- 
ing to this earth ! Man's highest interest stood in having 
treasures laid up in Heaven where neither moth nor rust 
could corrupt nor thieves break through or steal, such 
are secure from either fire or flood. Made a few calls 
and returned home feeling that it had been an instructive 
day. 

Fourth month. In reference to the meeting held on 
Fifth-day morning at Arch Street during Yearly Meeting 
week the following was put in "The Press" by its 
religious editor: "The reverent attitude, the expectant 
hush, the placid faces looking straight forward ; the sub- 
dued light and the sense of complete separation from the 
world, all promoted the spirit of worship. There was no 
programme, no presiding officers, no prepared addresses, 
each spoke as the spirit moved him, the orderliness and 
appropriateness of the service impressed the visitor." 

Fifth month 4. We are at our Malvern home, it being 
my intention to spend as much of this month here as I 
well can, trusting that the sight of the green grass, the 
opening blossoms and the budding leaves will have a 
refreshing effect upon my system, as the physical, mental 
and spiritual faculties seem to sympathize with one 
another. 

Fifth month 19. Instead of going into Arch Street 
Meeting, I remained at home and had a precious season 
in the company of my beloved wife; she has been 
engaged in examining some manuscripts that gave an 



Age 74 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 477 

account of some of her ancestors, amongst whom it 
could surely be said, there were those who feared God, 
and hated covetousness, and had a very good standing 
with their friends, filling important positions in our 
religious Society, leaving a good savor behind them. 

At a Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, held Sixth 
month 23, 1904. Convened in joint session of Men and Women 
Friends. 

Joseph S. Elkinton, an approved minister of this meeting, 
informed us that he had an apprehension that it might be in 
place for him to engage in religious service among the people 
in general within the limits of Goshen Monthly Meeting of 
Friends, holding some public meetings, particularly in places 
where there were formerly meetings of Friends. 

He also informed us that he felt there was a field of service 
for him in the interior of this state, particularly in the mining 
districts, where of late years much suffering has been experienced 
from various causes, feeling that there might now be an open- 
ness among different classes of people, some of whose hearts 
had undoubtedly been turned toward the Lord. Such service 
would require the appointing of public meetings. 

After deliberate consideration and much expression of sym- 
pathy for our Friend, and approval of his proposed religious 
labors, this meeting was satisfied to give him liberty to engage 
in them and to appoint such public meetings as he may feel 
called to, and as the Lord may open the way for; desiring that 
he may be divinely guided and preserved. 

Taken from the Minutes. 

Edwin P. Sellew, 
Anna Walton, Clerks. 

Ephraim Smith, Correspondent. 

Should our children survive us, the memory of the 
life and services of their mother will doubtless cause her 
to be called blessed of the Lord, not only having had 
good natural abilities, but possessed with a measure of 



478 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1904 

religious feeling that gave enjoyment to her friends in 
her lifetime and left a seal on their hearts and memories. 

Seventh month 31. In connection with my religious 
service in this neighborhood within the limits of Goshen 
Monthly Meeting, I have endeavored to attend with 
watchful care, openings for visiting and making appoint- 
ments. 

Jonathan E. Rhoads came to Malvern to-day to be with 
me at a meeting held in the office of Charles Hires & Co., 
designed chiefly for the operatives in the factory. I was 
led to speak chiefly of the relation between employers 
and employees, and the peaceable nature of the Redeem- 
er's Kingdom. Jonathan E. Rhoads followed and was 
much favored, his heart being with me in the work and 
generally in the same line of thought, but more 
eminently gifted and with a larger measure of experi- 
ence ; yet all may have that which will satisfy their souls 
by obedience keeping pace with knowledge. Stars are 
not all of the same magnitude, but all in the firmanent of 
his heavenly creation show forth his glory, and we have 
abundant cause to worship the Lord under a sense that 
his tender mercies are over all his works. 

Eighth month 3. I would encourage the reading of 
the literature of our Society. The desire of my heart is 
that there might be more of a willingness to suffer for 
the cause of Christ, more of a desire to be found in the 
way of self-denial, counting the reproach of Christ 
greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. 



Age 74 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 479 

Eighth month 6. The hack at the door was a notifica- 
tion that the time had come for my departure from home 
for the mining district to engage in my religious labor 
in that field, Easton being the first place in mind as a 
starting point. 

Eighth month p. After considerable exercise of mind 
in regard to breaking off from the work I had engaged 
in about Easton, I decided to return to Malvern on ac- 
count of the serious illness of my little grandson Ernest 
and to attend the funeral of Hiram Roberts. 

Eighth month II. Again called at son Alfred's not 
knowing but the little lamb had departed, but not so ; 
I had a look at him and the beam that was on his counte- 
nance the day before had settled into a marked sweetness 
in his cheeks, but his eyes closed and his breathing grew 
shorter which continued until 1.45 when he expired in 
his father's arms. 

Eighth month 13. After the funeral I returned to the 
city and took an evening train for Easton to resume my 
religious work. 

Eighth month 24. Had a conversation to-day with 
one of the teachers in Easton who told me of a principal 
of a High School who could not repeat the Lord's Prayer 
and had to get someone to say it for him, which reminded 
me of a report I once heard of a Committee of Congress 
discussing a matter, when one of them said he did not 
believe another certain member could say the Lord's 
Prayer who replied, yes, he could and quoted : 



480 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1904 

"While I lay me down to sleep, 
I pray the Lord my soul to keep, 
If I should die before I wake, 

I pray the Lord, my soul to take." 

Whereupon the one who made the challenge said, "I 
did not know that you knew it." How sad to think of 
such learned men being so ignorant in the school of 
Christ. 

Eighth month 25. I had an unusual experience this 
evening in the line of an open-air meeting. In a pretty 
grove there were about two hundred gathered in and 
around the tent holding a Camp Meeting. It was sug- 
gested that someone should go out and ask the men and 
boys to be quiet. I quickly said let me do that, and on 
my telling them that it was my opportunity to be with 
them and I would be glad if they would gather round, 
they did so and showed every attention. The Truth was 
in dominion as I unfolded to them the principles of truth 
and righteousness and amongst other things, I told them 
that I had been a lover of the Scriptures from my youth 
up and I wanted them to be the same. It was a beautiful 
moonlight night, and if all tent meetings could be as 
satisfactory as that one it would seem like a good way 
to get among the working classes. 

Ninth month 3. Am in South Bethlehem and it is a 
pretty warm morning. 

Ninth month 4. After breakfast I felt an almost irre- 
pressible impression to take the street car and go amongst 



Age 74 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 481 

some of the poorer class of the people in South Beth- 
lehem which I did and had some very interesting talks 
with one and another of them. 

Ninth month 6. According to request I made an ap- 
pearance before the secretary of the Borough Council 
and then was interviewed by the Master of the Market, 
who gave me about the greatest wrestle in spirit than I 
have met with. The -Market-hall was rented for dances 
at certain times and he did not want to say anything to 
spoil that business. That was pretty nearly the class of 
people I wanted to meet there and our interview was 
quite protracted, but I repeated what I had once said 
to a Roman Catholic rector, that there was a way to get 
along with one another and it was our business to find it. 
He said he was of that persuasion. I told him that as 
an employer, I had no remembrance of asking men when 
engaging them, what association they belonged to or for 
whom they voted; this seemed to please him and the 
interview closed by his saying, "I will do all I can for 
you," and as I filled out a large poster, he said he would 
fasten it up in the front window where everybody could 
see it and being market-day, it was a pretty good 
advertisement. 

Ninth month 8. At Mauch Chunk I took a trolley to 
go to the coal breakers about five miles away but met 
with a man who advised me to go to Lansford; he said 
he was an assistant engineer for the company and that I 
might speak to the foreman of the miners to let me go 



482 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1904 

into one of the mines. I was told that three hundred 
and twenty tons of coal were shipped to Philadelphia 
from that section in 1820 and three million of tons in 
1893. 

I found the foreman at his post at the mouth of the 
breaker. He loaned me an overcoat and miner's cap and 
the boss of the mine had me take off my boots and put 
on a pair of his big gum boots which was all very well 
for there was water a foot deep in places and we had to 
step into the water to let the cars, drawn by mules, pass. 
I was in three chambers where we travelled with the 
safety lamps. 

Returned to Mauch Chunk and lo ! The Fair is adver- 
tised to be here next week. Bethlehem, Allentown and 
Lehighton all in train and I am on the track of them 
almost without knowing it. 

Tenth month 4. Met a number of children coming out 
of one of the schools in Tamaqua and stopped to speak 
with them. The superintendent came and spoke to me 
and we had an interesting conversation; he is about one 
year older than myself and was a miner until he married, 
when he began teaching school and is now serving his 
fiftieth term. He volunteered to take me to the High 
School which I accepted and was in five of the rooms 
out of seven in the school and had something to offer 
in each of them. 

It has been heavy work in Tamaqua; I thought one 
man I met to-day was about ready to assail me with a 



Age 74 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 483 

whip, he was so full of liquor he could not walk or talk 
straight, and was full of fight, but my defense seemed 
to be in showing him with steadiness that I was not likely 
to be moved or frightened by him ; but I felt as I trudged 
on my way that when my work was really done there 
would be a rest for me and I will again say that whilst 
I may weary in the work I am not weary of it, and if 
the Apostle could glory in his infirmities or tribulations 
I might rejoice if counted worthy to suffer because of 
devotion to the cause of Truth and Righteousness, and 
I desire to be counted worthy of the continued love and 
regard of our Heavenly Father and the extension of the 
same to my beloved companion in life and our de- 
scendants. 

Tenth month 5. To-day I went from Tamaqua to 
Coal Dale and on my return while waiting for the car I 
fell into company with a group of young men who were 
miners; I received a good deal of mining information 
from some of them, but one of them proved to be a real 
bad fellow. He followed me into the car and sat down 
by me ; he tried to bamboozle me by asserting that I had 
paid his fare and insisted that I should receive a nickel 
from him. I would not receive it and told him I had 
given the conductor only one fare and the conductor 
supported my statement. He then broke out and gave 
me the most open attack that I have ever received, saying 
"Are you so foolish as to believe there is a God," and 
proceeded to convince me of the foolishness of it. I 



484 JOSEPH S. ELKINTOX 1904 

replied that he would be utterly unable to shake my faith, 
and I did not know that any good would come by arguing 
with one who was settled in the belief there was no God, 
that would be for the spirit of God breaking in upon the 
darkness of such. He believed like Ingersoll, and had 
travelled over the earth and had never seen anyone to be 
called truly pious. I replied, I had known truly virtuous 
men and women and had a very comfortable hope in their 
death; I had no wish to die like Ingersoll which was a 
very miserable end; and Thomas Payne remarked when 
someone said to him that he looked like the Devil, "if it 
were only looking like him it would do." The young man 
said, "I am acquainted with the Devil," to which I re- 
plied, "That was plain to be seen." He went on to say, 
"To think there is a just God giving Rockefeller what 
he has and keeping a thousand paupers at a dollar a day, 
if there was justice it should be divided with me; what 
have you to say to that?" My reply was that God was 
just, merciful, righteous and gracious and giveth accord- 
ing to ability to receive; I was not Rockefeller's judge, 
but no doubt he with the rest of us will receive as our 
work shall be, but no one who received his dollar need 
be a pauper although it might be that some should have 
more than they get. Much more was said which was 
hard and painful for me and when he said "Who is Jesus 
Christ?" preceding it with a very impious expression, I 
told him it was painful to be obliged to hear his blas- 
phemy, Jesus Christ was my Saviour and his name was 



Age 74 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 485 

sacred to me, and after a few more words to the same 
import I rose and took another seat. When I left the 
car, I travelled a very rough dark lane to the residence 
of the Methodist minister where arrangements were 
made for a meeting next First-day evening. 

Tenth month 6. In reviewing my experiences yester- 
day I have much cause for thankfulness for the measure 
of support granted me. When I was down in the mine 
a week ago I thought I never would go down another, 
but a young man that I met said he would pilot and take 
care of me if I would go down his mine. We descended 
840 feet and then walked what seemed about a mile until 
we came to a shute with what might be called a chicken 
ladder, two men helped me up and one of the colliers 
reached out his hand and I was in a miner's cave and 
saw the modern operations of working and sending coal 
down in shutes into the cars which were on a lower level. 
I felt glad I had come and trudging back to the shaft 
about the time for quitting work, saw about two hundred 
of the miners with their lamps in their caps ; it was an 
inspiring sight and it was something to meet with them. 
I had hoped for something of a meeting in the mine and 
now I had the satisfaction. I was also shown the hospital 
and magazine-room which could soon make trouble if the 
dynamite were accidentally started off. 

Eleventh month 22. Our last meeting in this service 
is over and I feel that it may be said it ended well, the 
minister said on parting 'The Lord is with you?" 



JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1904 

Eleventh month 23. Reached home at 9.30 A. M, with 
feelings of gratitude at finding my family well. 

Charles Wagner and his companion, X. G. Koenig, 
took dinner with us this evening, our children being also 
present. 

Eleventh month 24. In a joint-session of our Monthly 
Meeting, I reported that in the measure of light and 
ability given me I had held meetings in the limits of 
Goshen Monthly Meeting and in the Mining Districts. 
Ephraim Smith, Jonathan E. Rhoads and Joseph Thom- 
asson had been with me when they could. In the mining 
district the life and power of religion with many were 
at a low ebb, the majority seemingly under the influence 
of priestcraft. And whilst we had occasion to hang our 
heads because of the iniquity in our city, we had our 
privileges compared with what was to be seen in the 
interior, yet amidst it all there seemed to be those who 
were under concern, and favored with a good measure 
of the spirit of Truth, and given more of an insight unto 
the peaceable nature of the Gospel dispensation, more of 
a united concert of action against the crying evils of the 
day, and more of a testimony to the peaceable nature of 
the Redeemer's kingdom, in their prayers craving for 
wars to cease. 

In regard to the condition of the mining population 
their habitations were greatly in advance of what they 
were in my earlier days. There were comfortable ar- 
rangements in their homes and I had been comfortably 



Age 74 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 487 

and hospitably entertained in some of them. I was not in- 
sensible of danger during the trip, but the greatest grief 
to me was in the higher schools ; while it was to the credit 
of the state to have the children schooled by the most 
intelligent and interested teachers yet it was cause for 
grief that some things are instilled in the minds of the 
students, matters which should be considered sacred, are 
treated as absurdities. 

Extract from a letter: 

Twelfth month. "Whilst out on a religious visit, at the 
close of a meeting where I had been given an opportunity 
to address the congregation, it was announced by the 
pastor that there would be a baptism, whereupon an 
infant was brought to the front, and their usual cere- 
mony was performed with the sprinkling of a few drops 
of water on its head. There was not as much fuss made 
as when in fording the Allegheny River with my father 
and mother, mother and I received a baptism by being 
suddenly jolted out into the river. I was then about one 
year of age. J. S. E. 



CHAPTER XVII. 
Closing Months, Death and Burial. 

First month I, igoj. My mind has from time to time 
been turned toward Haddonfield Meeting. I concluded 
to go and was welcomed by the Friends of Haddonfield 
and an open door was granted me; I was engaged in 
testimony and supplication. 

First month J. A stormy day but I made several calls, 
amongst the rest one at the Home for Aged and Infirm 
Colored People. 

First month 4. Attended to divers concerns during the 
day then went to Frankford and after making a few calls 
there attended Frankford Meeting, which is held in the 
evening to accommodate business men. 

First month 19. Our meeting at Arch Street, I be- 
lieve, was held to the honor of Truth. Ability was given 
me to supplicate the great and holy name for the support 
of the honest-hearted, and of those who were laboring 
for Truth's sake ; as also that the thoughts of the people 
at large might be more and more turned to consider their 
ways and dwell on the majesty of the King of Heaven. 

First month 25. Came to Atlantic City and took quar- 
ters at the Archdale and have made several calls ; the day 
has been a perfect winter day and feeling tempted to 
remain over another day, have written home to that effect, 
as I think the air is doing me good. 

488 



Age 75 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 489 

Second month 10. Received a telegram stating that 
Huldah H. Bonwill had deceased and instructions for 
funeral were requested. Not knowing anyone more 
properly called on than myself to attend to the matter 
I telegraphed that I would be at the Asylum at Taunton 
on the morrow. 

Second month 12. Job S Gidley accompanied me to 
the Asylum, where we were courteously received. Navi- 
gation had closed to Nantucket and it was impracticable 
even in Taunton to dig a grave, so it was decided to have 
the body embalmed and placed in a vault until navigation 
to Nantucket should be reopened. It was bitter cold, 
four below zero. I returned with Job S. Gidley and 
attended his meeting, but when I arrived at his home, I 
experienced something of a reaction and rested on the 
lounge much of the time under their hospitable roof. 
J. S. G. kindly acompanied me to Providence, where he 
saw me start for Philadelphia. It was a disturbed night 
but I arrived home safely. 

Second month 16. In our meeting at Arch Street this 
morning my son Joseph appeared in the ministry in a 
way that certainly had the attention of the meeting, eye 
and ear; and if I should not hear him again, I should in 
all probability remember it as a remarkable delivery. He 
is gifted ; and his father has his anxieties concerning him 
and needs to be rightly exercised in prayer for each of 
our children, that the preserving power may not leave 
them. 



490 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1905 

Second month 24. Our son Joseph left on the mid- 
night train for San Francisco and Japan in a probable 
five months' trip should his life be spared. 

Second month 25. In our Meeting for Sufferings, 
after considerable being said on the subject, it was de- 
cided to call on the Mayor and acquaint him with our 
concern that he should discharge his duties with faith- 
fulness under the sense of the responsibility and account- 
ability. A minute was made and John H. Dillingham, 
George J. Scattergood and myself were appointed to 
present the Mayor with a copy of the minute and as way 
opened to deliver what might seem to be called for. After 
the close of the meeting we went to the office of the 
Mayor and were courteously received. We stated our 
case and what was felt to be called for in the line of the 
suppression of vice. In his response, it was evident, he 
wanted us to think he was endeavoring to promote the 
welfare of the city, and that newspaper reports were 
exaggerated, which in all probability is sometimes the 
case, but it was to be supposed that the Mayor knew of 
disorders that he had not exerted himself to have ad- 
justed. The interview lasted about forty-five minutes, 
we were treated very courteously throughout, and whilst 
clothed with sorrow that their is just cause for the indig- 
nation that has been aroused, the Meeting for Sufferings 
and its delegates have done their part for the time being. 

Third month 5. Remained home from meeting this 
afternoon with my Malinda. Dr. McCollin not seeing 



Age 75 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 491 

me at meeting came to call on me, which I received as 
timely as I have not felt up to my average health for 
some days. 

Third month 16. Attended the Quarterly Meeting at 
Haddonfield, about 400 in attendance in the first meet- 
ing. I spoke of maintaining a living concern for the 
welfare of the Church; and before the shutters were 
closed I was engaged in intercession that not only in 
that but also in other parts of the heritage, the hearts of 
the people might be engaged in pleading with the Lord 
for His mercies and compassionate regard, and He pos- 
sessed of a right insight into the state of the Church 
and communion at large, nothing doubting but amidst 
all the strife and confusion, all was under the control of 
Him who is God over all. Blessed forever be His holy 
name. 

It was a question on my starting out in the morning 
whether I had physical strength to justify going to Had- 
donfield, but when engaged in the line of apprehended 
duty, there may be experienced a measure of life and 
power ; and we surely have reason to know that the Lord 
is the best paymaster and that they who wait on the Lord 
know of a renewal of strength. 

Fourth month 3. The second passage to Taunton has 
been effected, Job S. Gidley and wife with me. He 
called at the undertaker's and found everything favor- 
able for starting on the boat for Nantucket at 1 P. M. 
On arrival at Nantucket we were met bv a cousin of 



492 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1905 

Huldah H. Bonwill's and taken to his residence, and 2.30 
is appointed for such as incline to meet here for an hour 
or so ; the grave-yard is within a few minutes' walk. On 
the boat J. S. G. secured me a room which was all very 
well, as I could prop myself up on the lounge and see 
the water as we wended our way to Nantucket. 

From a letter dated Malvern, Fourth month 7th, 1905 : 
My dear son William : 

We made our passage here yesterday. . . . The 
hack was in waiting at the foot of the Malvern steps ; 
the windows of the house were all open and thy aunt 
R. P. H. at the door to welcome us into the house well 
warmed, and I could see nothing lacking to call or make 
a retreat. 

Mother said this A. M. that she felt more like being 
here than getting here, and I believe contentment reigns 
under the feeling that with whatever difficulties there 
may have been or may be with us, we are crowned with 
many mercies. 

With love, thy father, 

J. S. E. 

From a letter dated Malvern, Pa., Fourth month 11th, 
1905: 

I think there is a slight gain in energy, but weakness 
of the chest allows very little walking and not much 
talking. I have done but little reading, but can take hold 
of the pen with a little more energy. It is a fine thing 
that mother and the rest are all as well as they are, and 



Age 75 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 493 

I endeavor to accept my situation with a measure of 
quietness and composure. The breaking forth of leaves 
and buds has an animating effect, but there is some 
exercise of mind attending the proper meeting and dis- 
pensing of some of the sober problems of life. 

Affectionately, thy father, 
(To W. T. E.) J. S. E. 



After the above letter dated Fourth month 11th, 1905, 
there seems to be nothing from the pen of Joseph S. 
Elkinton. 

Before leaving home on his last trip to Nantucket, his 
family was greatly exercised on account of his physical 
condition, and when endeavoring to persuade him to 
take a rest at the sea-shore, it was suggested the house- 
hold should move out to the summer residence at Mal- 
vern, which seemed agreeable to all parties. Within 
three weeks' time the home was in readiness and on the 
day J. S. E. returned from New England (4-6-1905) 
the transition was made; but on arrival at Malvern it 
was evident that his condition was more serious than had 
been previously realized, as he was quite prostrated by 
the journey. 

Some days passed before he felt able to walk out, and 
then a short stroll over the premises was accomplished 



494 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1905 

with difficulty and accompanied with great weakness. 
The least exertion, especially ascending steps, caused 
such oppression and difficulty of breathing that he would 
request someone to remain by him during these attacks. 
It was noticeable that his strength was failing daily. 
Having been appointed a representative to the Yearly 
Meeting, he felt it his duty to attend all of its sittings, 
and could not be induced to yield to the judgment of 
either his physician or friends. Through his indomitable 
courage, perseverence and will power, he performed the 
service, attended with great suffering from weakness, 
and with such narrow escapes of falling by the way, that 
words are inadequate to describe them. The Everlasting 
Arm alone could have supported him as he was carried 
through from day to day. He left the last meeting on 
Sixth-day to return to Malvern in time for a funeral 
he desired to attend, where he engaged in vocal service. 
When he reached home that afternoon, some time was 
spent in resting before he had sufficient strength to 
mount the stairs, which proved to be for the last time. 

Early in the following week, his physician brought out 
a specialist in consultation (Dr. Taylor) when our worst 
fears were confirmed, his case was hopeless and his days 
were numbered. 

On his 75th birthday (4-27) he so desired to be up and 
dressed to receive his children who came to see him, that 
it was so granted and he spent the day in a reclining- 



Age 75 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 495 

chair, enjoying the society of his family. From that time 
he failed more rapidly and was not able to be up again. 

Throughout his illness, and while consciousness lasted, 
he ever held tenaciously to life with a gleam of hope, and 
whilst he frequently expressed a desire to move amongst 
men again, he evinced a submissive spirit to the will of 
his Heavenly Father and made many expressions that 
gave evidence of being at peace with his Maker. Some 
of these comments were noted by his son W. T. E. from 
which are taken the following : 

Fifth month 8. "I hope to rally; it requires patience." 
On being told he was very patient, he replied, "Patience 
is one of the Christian virtues." "Forsake me not when 
my strength faileth, this has not been done." "I want 
the people to know I am not ashamed of my religion, 
neither am I ashamed of the gospel." "I want to show 
a humble and contrite spirit." "I am not without hope 
and I desire a blessing upon my children." 

Asked if he had a message for Mary and Joseph, he 
said, "Tell them I desire their best welfare in every way; 
I am not able to write to them, but my thoughts are with 
them." 

Fifth month p. "I am glad my thought can run on 
the Saviour. If my work is done, so be it, I thought I 
had a light ahead, but I want to be submissive to the 
Divine Will and I want the people to know I have a hope, 
a blessed hope of a glorious eternity." "I desire the 



496 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1905 

divine support for the children and that they may be 
supported through life." 

Fifth month 12. ''Thank friends for their kind letters 
and messages, I hope to meet them as aforetime, if the 
Lord will, but if otherwise I am content, I have a blessed 
hope of a glorious immortality." 

"I will pray the Father and He will give you the spirit 
of Truth and ye know Him and He shall be in you." 
"Behold thou hast a little faith, hold fast that thou hast 
and let no man take thy crown." 

"I feel that we shall not be cast off in old age." "I 
have not the intense suffering that some have had, which 
is a great mercy. The Lord is merciful and gracious." 

Fifth month 13. "I possess my strength in quiet and 
confidence." "Bread of Life is what we need." "If I 
had not a little light and hope I would have to give up, 
all I can say is may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ 
be with thee." "Messages from friends have been grate- 
ful." "If all has been done that can be done, that is all 
there is of it." "Watch over me for good.", "I have a 
sweet hope of a glorious inheritance in that home not 
made with hands, and the Lord God Himself is the light 
thereof.'' 

"My chest is very sore, but I am not hopeless, I await 
the pleasure of the Almighty." When asked if he felt 
that his Heavenly Father was about to take him home, 
he responded, "You have done what you could." After 



Age 75 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE 497 

this date most of the time was spent in a heavy sleep 
until life quietly and sweetly ebbed away. 

His patience, forbearance and sweetness of spirit, all 
served as an instructive object lesson to those about him 
and Fifth month 18th, 1905, he truly might have adopted 
the language, "I am now ready to be offered and the 
time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good 
fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, 
henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteous- 
ness, which the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me 
at that day. And not to me only but unto all them also 
that love his appearing.'" 

Thus closed a most active, useful and interesting life. 
It was a life rich in experience, a life spent in fearlessly 
pursuing whatever he felt to be required of him, and in 
fervently serving his blessed Master and Redeemer. 

The funeral, held in the Meeting House at Fourth and 
Arch Streets, Philadelphia, was attended by a large num- 
ber of Friends and others — who bore appropriate testi- 
mony to the life now ended. Not a few in the humbler 
walks of life were present; one of whom remarked, with 
much feeling, as she approached the room in which his 
mortal form was seen for the last time, "Oh ! I have lost 
such a true friend." 

The solemnity of this occasion was in keeping with his 
spiritual character. 

His pastoral gift has scarcely been exceeded by any in 



498 JOSEPH S. ELKINTON 1905 

his generation. He had given of his time, strength, 
money and sympathy to those who were in need without 
respect to creed or condition — fulfilling his favorite text 
concerning the visiting of "the widow and the fatherless" 
— and the City of Brotherly Love, in which he had lived 
more than three score years and ten, felt the passing of 
his kind and unique personality from its highways. 



INDEX 



Abbott, George St., Fu- 
neral of 248 

Abbott, Ruth S 222 

Address to the Board of 
Education on Military 

Training 350 

Allen, Charles J 175 

Allen, Elizabeth 120, 180 

Allen.Rebccca S., Letter to, 
from Cynthia Gordon. . 197-8 

Allen, Richard J 331 

Allen, Samuel 3, 159 

Ambleside, visited 139 

Annuities to Seneca In- 
dians 215 

Arch St. Meeting, Situa- 
tion of considered 118 

Archer. Herbert 395, 397 

Armneld, Joseph 147, 148 

Ashurst, Dr., Attends Ra- 
chel E. Patterson 200 

Bacon, John (of England) 134 
Bail, Susan O. (Seneca 

Indian) 211 

Bailey, Moses 8 

Baltimore, Lady, Story of 
her meeting with Wm. 
Penn at Third Haven.. 273 
Baltimore, Meeting of col- 
ored people at 174 

Visited by J. S. E. 
after the great fire. 475-6 
Baptism. Infant, witnessed 

by J. S. E 487 

Barker. Simeon 468 

Barton, Clara, and the Red 

Cross work 301-307 

Barton. Lafayette 165 

Bedell. William. Letter to. 78 
Bedell. Sarah J., sat as 
mother at marriage of 

Alfred Elkinton 221 

Death of 421 



Bellows, Elizabeth, Arrival 

in America 422 

Mention of 447 

Bellows, John ..385, 447 

Arrival in America. . . 422 

Bellows, Philip 422 

Bellows, William 398, 403 

Benedict, Michael 183 

Benezet, Anthony, and 
education of colored 

people 369 

Bettle, Samuel .34, 61, 102, 120 

Biddle John W 331 

Bigkettle, Charley (Seneca 

Indian), Funeral of.... 216 
Big Thunder (Indian chief) 461 
Birmingham Monthly 
Meeting, Families of, 
visited by J. S. E., and 

others 253-4 

Blackchief, Simon (Seneca 

Indian) 213 

Blacksnake, Owen (Seneca 
Indian).. 81, 87. 162. 180, 228 
Estimate of the Bible. 181 

Blacksnake, Robert 228 

Blacksnake, William 164 

Blinkey, A. B 161 

Bonwiil. Huldah H., Fu- 
neral arrangements for. 

489, 491 
"Book of Heaven" name 
given by Flat Head In- 
dians to the Bible 356-7 

Bowerman. Judah 349 

Braithwaite, J. Bevan, vis- 
its J. S. E 218 

Branson. Ann. Close reli- 
gious service 61 

Bucks Quarterly Meeting, 
Service by J. S. E. with- 
in its limits 236 

BurlinuR.n. X. J., Appoint- 
ed meeting at 375 



499 



500 



INDEX 



Cadbury, Joel 331 

Cain Quarterly Meeting, 
Service by J. S. E., with- 
in its limits 236 

Campbell, G. W., Canadian 
official 385, 393 

Canada Yearly Meeting... 
visited by J. S. E 444 

Cantrell, Nicholas (Yicar- 
General of Roman Cath- 
olics), visited by J. S. E. 334 

Carey, James 174 

Cartland, Joseph and Ger- 
trude 281-2 

Casey, J. C, and Wilson. 
John A. B., Presbyters 
of Del., who assisted J. 
S. E. and J. E. Rhoads.. 268 

Catawissa, Pa., Meeting at 185 

Central Theater Fire, Vic- 
tims of 280 

Chapman, John M 137, 138 

"Charleston Fund," its his- 
tory revived 206 

Chester and Lancaster 
Counties, J. S. E. has 
concern to visit 359 

Children, Concern of J. S. 
E. in relation to 245 

Christian League 345, 448 

Christmas, Ben 468 

Churchill, Catharine, Reli- 
gious experiences of.... 464 

Churchman, John, former 
neighborhood visited by 
J. S. E '.360 

Chursoniva, Polio (Douk- 
hobor woman), Letter 
from 438 

Civil War Recollections, by 
Thomas La Forte 457 

Cleveland, Grover, Visit 
to, by J. S. E 375-6 

Clergyman, Interview with, 
on cars 103 

Collins, Sarah A 180 

Colored Institute, Com- 
mencement exercises of. 368 



Comfort, David, goes with 
J. S. E. to Tunesassa... 259 

Comfort, John S 122 

Comfort, Moses, Death of 102 
Conanicut Island, Trip to. 370 

Conrow, Anna 28 

Death of 157 

Cook, George (of Eng- 
land) 132 

Cooper, Horatio G., Let- 
ter to, by J. S. E 84 

Cope, Alfred, Letter from 
J. S. E. in regard to 

militarv service 45 

Letter to J. S. E 68 

Relation of personal 
experience with Ro- 
man Catholic priest. 233 
Cope. Ann (wife of Sam- 
uel) 8 

Cope, Debbie 180 

Cope, Morris 180 

Cope, Samuel 8, 61, 76 

Cornplanter Reservation.. 164 

Cornelius, Thomas 65 

Cowperthwaite, Wm. C 347 

Cozens, Eliza, Anecdote of 95 
Cozens, Susan, Funeral of. 184 

Crerar, James 406, 439 

Crossfield, Alfred 133 

Crossfield, Henry .... 132, 133 
Crouse, Susan (Seneca In- 
dian) 162 

Cuban School Teachers 

visit America 421 

Coffee, Betsy (Indian) 

Anecdote of 182 

Cyclone visits Philadelphia 220 

Dale, J. J., & Co. (mer- 
chants on Sea Islands) .315-6 

Daniel. James, Anecdote of 40 

Davidson, Henry (bishop), 
Amusing experience in 
search of 361-2 

Deacon. Sarah A., Death 
of 186-7 

Dean. Elwood. . . . 185, 186, 

187, 188, 189, 191, 228, 257 



INDEX 



501 



Devonshire House, Lon- 
don, visited by J. S. E. . . 147 
Dewees, Aaron (Jr.).. 225, 227 

Dewees, Aaron P 163, 

164, 212, 213, 214, 225, 227 

Narrow escape at time 

of Tunesassa fire... 227 

Dewees, Jesse . . 185-6, 189, 191 

DeWolf, T. S.384, 386, 391, 393 

Dillingham, John H...285, 

459, 472, 490 
Ditzler, William U.99, 102, 

204, 223, 327, 347 
Early religious experi- 
ences 342-3 

Anecdote of 204 

Death of 360 

Doukhobor Hymn, trans- 
lated into English 389 

Doukhobor Migration. .383-422 
Dover, Delaware, Observa- 
tions on prisons there. . 267 
"Drafting'' for the Army 

in time of Civil War. ... 41 
Dunn, Elizabeth C 375 

Earlham College, visited 
by J. S. E 345 

Edgerton, Anna, Letter 
from J. S. E. after death 
of Joseph Edgerton 69 

Edgerton, Anna M., Death 
of 361 

Edgerton, Joseph, speaks 
at marriage of Jos. S. 
Elkinton to Malinda Pat- 
terson 29 

Mention of death of.. 69 

Elkinton, Five brothers of 
the name seen in Eng- 
land 148 

Elkinton, Alfred.. 327, 347, 366 
Marriage of to Abby 
Walton 221-2 

Elkinton, Anna R., Birth 
of 255 

Elkinton, Asa, Sickness 
and death of 11-14 



Reflections on the death 

of 15 

Elkinton, Edith (daughter 

of Alfred), Death of... 327 
Elkinton, Edith (wife of 
George Elkinton), Death 

of 59 

Elkinton, Ernest (son of 

Alfred), Death of 479 

Elkinton, George 59, 61 

Elkinton, Joseph (Jr.), 
spends summer in Iowa 

and Ohio 154 

Goes to Xew England 
with G. J. S. and J. 

S. E 159 

First appearance in the 

ministry 201 

Marriage to Sarah W. 

Passmore 208 

Mention of... 232, 235, 

239, 240, 284, 347, 366 
Acknowledged as a 

minister 235 

Ministry of ..243, 249, 

2S2, 255, 284, 285, 328, 338 
Goes to Muncy with 

David Heston 258 

Travels to Doukhobor 
country with H. 

Moreland 444 

Starts to Japan 490 

Elkinton, Joseph (Sr.), 

Hospitality of 8 

Accompanies William 
Evans on religious 

service 16 

Letter to Jos. S. El- 
kinton 28 

Retires from business. 34 
Letter concerning visit 

to Indians 65. 74 

Last illness and death. 78-80 
Tribute to, from In- 
dians 80 

Elkinton, Joseph Passmore, 

Birth announced 235 

Elkinton, Joseph S. 

Birth and parentage... 1 



502 



INDEX 



Early religious impres- 
sions 1, 2, etc. 

First schools 2 

Sent to Westtown.... 5 

Marvelous escapes 

from injury. .11, 19, 21 

Reflections on twenty- 
first birthday 16 

Business venture at 
Seve n t e e n t h and 
Hamilton Streets ..17-18 

First trip to Ohio 18 

First appearance in the 
ministry 23 

Thoughts of marriage. 24 

Trip to Boston 24-27 

Marriage 29 

Enrolled for military 
duty 36 

Drafted into the Army 43 

Declines military serv- 
ice on conscientious 
grounds 43 

Correspondence in re- 
lation thereto ... .44. etc. 

Interview with Pro- 
vost Marshal 46-54 

Paroled and set at lib- 
erty 56 

Letter from Secretary 
of War ". 57 

Sermon in Western 
District Meeting ... 62 

Business trip to Rich- 
mond, Ya. and Pet- 
ersburg 63 

Experience in Wash- 
ington on "hat hon- 
or" 70 

Acknowledged as min- 
ister of the Gospel. . 73 

Moved to 783 S. Sec- 
ond Street 76 

Embarrassing experi- 
ence at Muncy 76 

Takes sea voyage 82 

Appointed on Indian 
Committee 85 

Visits Tunesassa 85 



Drawn for Grand Jury 90 

Liberated for service 
in Haddonfield 
Quarter 93 

Business trip to New 
York 96 

Goes with William U. 
Ditzler to Concord 
Quarter 99 

Interview with a 
clergyman on the 
cars " 103-108 

At funeral of Wesley 
Meeker 109 

Yisits New England.. Ill 

Service at the grave of 
W. P. Walton 113 

Yisits families of 
Stroudsburg 122 

Removes to 331 South 
Fifth Street 123 

Services in Frankford, 
Mo. Mtg 126 

Rents house of Ame- 
lia Leeds 126 

Concern to visit Mun- 
cy Meeting 126 

Proposes European 
trip 128 

Departure 130 

Experiences abroad. 131-154 

Takes son Joseph to 
New England.... 159-160 

Muncy visited 160 

Minute to visit Ohio 
Yearly Meeting 160 

Goes to Tunesassa with 
address to Indians, 

161-169 

Visits Iowa 169-170 

Concern to visit parts 
of Maryland and 
Virginia 173 

Interesting experiences 
in Baltimore 174-6 

Visits Indians on Long 
Island 182 

Also of Canada 183 



INDEX 



503 



Liberated for service 
in Exeter and Muncv. 184 

At Tunesassa 188-190 

Begins service on Long 
Island 194 

Rents house 248 South 
Third Street 203 

Obtains m i n ut e for 
Southern New Jersey 203 

At Reading Meeting.. 204 

Attends marriage of 
son Joseph 208 

Visits Indian Reserva- 
tions in S. \Y. New 
York 216-7 

Opens concern for col- 
ored people of Phila- 
delphia 217 

Goes with Hannah 
Stratton to Eastern 
Penitentiary 219 

Visits families of L'p- 
per Springfield Meet- 
ing 223 

Goes to Tunesassa at 
time of fire 224-7 

Proposed to join El- 
wood Dean in reli- 
gious service 228 

Again visits Tunesassa 
and Northern Ohio. 232 

Concern for service in 
Bucks and Cain 
Quarters, especially 
among Mennonites. . 236 

Appointed meeting at 
Crosswicks 248 

At meeting of Xorwe-» 
gians South Second 
Street 250 

Liberated to visit fam- 
ilies of Birmingham 
Mo. Mtg 253 

Brief visit to Tunesassa 259 

Began religious service 
in Delaware and 
Marvland with J. E. 
Rhoads 267 



Calls on Mayor E. S. 
Stuart 275 

Trip to New England.281-3 

Attends sitting of Xew 
York Yearly Meeting 283 

Concern to accompany 
Joseph Walton to 
Xew York ......... 284 

Liberated for service in 
Xew England 286 

Concern to appoint 
public meetings in 
Philadelphia 291 

Carries relief to Sea 
Islands 293-326 

Visits Jewish syna- 
gogue 328 

Visits Eastern Peni- 
tentiary 330 

Appointed on commit- 
tee to prepare ad- 
dress on military 
spirit, etc 331 

Active in distributing 
address 332-340 

Set at liberty to attend 
Ohio and Western 
Yearly Meetings 343 

Concern to appoint 
meetings in Chester 
and Lancaster Coun- 
ties 348 

Trip to Conanicut Isl- 
and 370 

Visits Grover Cleve- 
land 375-6 

Goes with delegation 
to present memorial 
to President Mc- 
Kinley 377-8 

Liberated to meet 
Doukhobors 383 

Starts on second trip 
to Doukhobors 393 

Third trip to Canada 
to meet Doukhobors 396 

First trip to Douk- 
hobor country 398 



504 



INDEX 



Second trip to Douk- 

hobor country 405 

Fourth visit to Canada 
on Doukhobor ac- 
count 412 

Third trip to Douk- 
hobor country 413 

Prospect of religious 
labor in Northern 

New Jersey, etc 424 

Fourth trip to Douk- 
hobor country 431 

Visits widow of Presi- 
dent McKinley 431-2 

Attends Canada Yearlv 

Meeting 444 

Calls on President 

Roosevelt 447 

Obtains minute to visit 

Indians in New 

York, New England 

and Nova Scotia. . . . 449 

Visits Baltimore after 

the fire 475 

Obtains minute for 
service in Goshen 
Mo. Mtg. and in 
Mining districts of 

Pennsylvania 477 

Goes to Nantucket to 
attend funeral of 
Huldah H. Bonwill, 

489, 491 
Attends Philadelphia 

Yearly Meeting 494 

Sickness, last hours 

and death 493-7 

Elkinton, Joseph S., and 
Tho m a s, firm name 

adopted 34 

Give dinner to em- 
ployees 346-7 

Elkinton, Malinda.122, 131, 
137, 145, 150, 208, 229, 

231, 250, 291, 476 
Letter from, on death 

of son Thomas 92 

Entertains relatives . . 474 



Elkinton, Mary (Nutt). 

Accident to 9 

Anecdote of 30 

Death of 60 

Elkinton, Mary, marriage 

with Inazo Nitobe 266 

Elkinton, Phebe A 180 

Death of 412 

Elkinton, Rebecca (daugh- 
ter of Joseph and Sarah 
W.) 

Death of 285 

Elkinton, Rebecca S. (wife 
of Thomas). 

Death of 430 

Elkinton, Sarah, Service at 

Tunesassa 22 

Married to Ephraim 

Smith 76 

Elkinton, Thomas. 

Injury in childhood... 4 

Marriage 8 

"Hat Honor" experi- 
ences in Philadelphia 

court-room 116 

Meets travelers at New 

York 154 

Attends meeting at 

Baltimore 175 

Death of 430 

Elkinton, Thomas (son of 
J. S. E.). 

Birth of 77 

Illness and death of.. 91-2 
Elkinton, William T. 

Accompanies J. S. E. 

to New England 111 

Mention of, 

208, 347, 349, 366, 448 
Admitted to firm of 

J. S. & T. Elkinton. 223 
Marriage with Eleanor 

Rhoads 229 

Ellis, Esther A 1 

Emlen, James and Sarah, 
Influence of, at West- 
town 6 

Emlen, Samuel 285 

England, William, and wife 391 



INDEX 



505 



Epizooty among the horses 119 
Esterbrook, Richard. . .208, 231 

Death of 344 

European trip proposed... 128 
Varied experiences. 131-154 
Evans, Dr. Charles. 

Attends Mary (Xutt) 

Elkinton 9 

Physician for J. S. E.. 18 
Mention of.... 42, 100, 

118, 120, 128, 159 
Evans, Elizabeth. 

Ministry of.. 9, 10, 33, 76 
Evans, Elizabeth R....209, 285 

Evans, Thomas 42 

Evans, William (Sr.). 

Religious service in In- 
diana and Iowa 16 

Evans, William... 159, 401, 463 
Accompanies J. S. E. 
on relief expedition 
to Sea Islands... 293-326 
Goes to Doukhobor 
country 399 

Farrell. David, Funeral of. 122 

Fell, Marshall 180 

Flat Head Indians, Story 
of their search for the 

"Book of Heaven" 356-7 

Fowler, Esther 222 

Fox, Norman 425-6 

Flushing, Long Island, 
visited in course of reli- 
gious service 194 

"Friend, The,"' Bound vols. 

welcomed to Earlham. . . 244 
Friends' Book Store, Pro- 
posed changes in 156 

Friends' Select School, vis- 
ited by J. S. E 101 

turness Abbey visited 137 

Gibbons. Hannah 102 

Gibbons, H. 235 

Gidley, Job S., Goes with 
J. S. E. to meet Douk- 

hobors 384 

Mention of... 387, 388, 
391, 394, 459, 463, 489. 491 



Gillespie Thomas, shows 

Union League to J. S. E. 372 
Goto, Governor of For- 
mosa 446 

Gordon, Cynthia 190 

Letter from, concern- 
ing daughter 196 

Letter concerning 

membership 197 

Letter to, from J. S. E. 202 
Visit to, by J. S. E. 

and G. J. S 211 

Mention of... 214, 226, 228 

Goudy, Charles 283 

Gould, Theodore, Anec- 
dote of 275 

Graham, Elizabeth 144 

Graham, Ellen 145, 146 

Graham, William 136, 143 

Grasmere, visited 140 

Green, Foster 151-2 

Green, William 152 

Grellett, Stephen, visit to 
Russia in 1818, remem- 
bered by aged Douk- 
hobor 390, 415 

Gross, John (Mennonite) . 237 

Haines, Job, Uneasy with 
ministry of Richard Jor- 
dan 72 

Haines, John G., Goes with 
J. S. E. to Xew England 111 
Accompanies J. S. E. 
in service in Phila- 
delphia 292 

Mention of... 200, 291, 335 
Haines, Zebedee. 

Visits families of Bir- 
mingham Mo. Mtg. 

with J. S. E 253-4 

Goes with J. S. E. to 
visit Indians in Xew 
York, Xew England 
and Xova Scotia.453-471 

.Mentioned 472 

Half town, Harrison (Sen- 
eca Indian) 81, 259 

Halftown, Isaac 87 



506 



INDEX 



Half town, Jefferson 214 

Hall, Nathan P 222 

Harris, Elizabeth Sarah... 152 

Harley, Hugh 435 

Harvey, William B. 

Visits the Doukhobor 

country 405 

Mention of 408, 411 

Hastings, Horace L 282 

Hathaway, Phebe 36 

"Hat Honor," Experience 
of J. S. E. in Washing- 
ton 71 

Of Thomas Elkinton 
and Jos. S. Elkinton 
in Philadelphia 

courtroom 116-7 

Herr, Amos, Letter to 241 

Heston, David 307 

Visits Muncy Mo. Mtg. 258 

Hicks, Edward 147 

Hill, Thomas (St. Regis 

Indian) 67 

Hilles, Samuel 42 

Hilles, William 7, 23 

Hillkoff, Prince (Russian 
nobleman) ....385, 386,400 
402, 404 
Hires, Charles E. & Co., 
Meeting for factory 

operatives of 478 

Hoar, George F., visited 

by J. S. E.. 447 

Hockett, William, Experi- 
ences in Confederate 

Army 42 

Hodgkin, John 132 

Holgate, Mary, Death of. 360 
Huff, H. (Indian inter- 
preter) 165, 166 

Huff, Laura Jimerson (In- 
dian) 190 

Hutchinson, Thomas 156 

Indian Boys, Anecdote of. 458 
Indian History, Papers re- 
lating to, presented to 
Indian Committee 261 



Indians of Alleghany Res- 
ervation, Letter of, con- 
cerning Joseph Elkinton. 80 
Visit to, by J. S. El- 
kinton and others. 

161-169 

Ingalls, Dr 386 

Iowa Friends, Impressions 

of 169 

Ireland. Brief visit to, bv 

J. S. E "151-2 

Irwin, George, Remarks at 

dinner to employees.... 347 
Ivan, Ivan (Doukhobor).. 407 

Jackson, Jesse (Seneca 
Indian) 166 

Jansen, Peter. 400, 430, 431, 

435, 442-3 

Jesus Christ, Jewish atti- 
tude toward 339-340 

Jamesburg. X. J., Reform- 
atory visited by J. S. E. 373 

Jewish Synagogue, visited 
by J. S. E 328 

Jimerson, Laura (Seneca 
Indian) 167 

Jimerson, Samuel 167 

Jimerson, Wallace 190 

John, Alexander (Seneca 
Indian) 162 

Jones, Charles 444 

Jones, Isaac 123 

Jordan, Richard. 

Anecdote of 72 

Judkins, Dr. and wife 222 

Justice, Letitia 286 

Kite. Mary 8 

Letter to 16 

Sickness and death of 31 

Kite, Rebecca 327 

Kite, William 180 

Koenig, X. G., Guest of J. 
S. E 486 

La Forte, Thomas, Civil 

War recollections 457 

Lancaster Castle, Visited.. 135 



INDEX 



507 



Lancaster and Chester 
Counties, J. S. E. has 

concern to visit 359 

Leeds, Amelia 126 

Leeds, Davis, Drowning of 124 
Leonhardt, Frederick. .405, 

410, 414 
Lew, J. Leonard (Jewish 

Rabbi), Visit to 340 

Lewis. John 88 

Lightfoot, Margaret, Let- 
ter to 239 

Lincoln, Abraham, Anec- 
dote of, by Thomas La 

Forte 457 

Lippincott, Caleb 40 

Lippincott, Restored 40 

Lippincott, Richard 40 

Lippincott, Thomas (of 
Woodstown) , relates 
some family history.... 40 
Lloyd, Mary Ann. Minis- 
try of, serviceable to 

Wm. U. Ditzler 343 

Logan, Sim (Indian) 167 

London, Visit to, by J. S. 

E 146-8 

Lord's Prayer. Anecdote to 
illustrate ignorance of.. 479 

McClellan (Gen.) George 

B ;. 153 

McCollin, Dr. S. Mason.. 490 
Attends Malinda El- 

kinton 208 

McCreary, W. F 406 

McKinley, William (Pres- 
ident). Interview with, 

by J. S. E 367 

Letter to, by J. S. E. 370-1 

Death of 428 

McXichol, Daniel, railroad 

official 445 

Machartoff, Ivan (Douk- 

hobor immigrant) .. .409. 415 
Maris, Dr. Edward. .. 194, 

196. 331 
Masters, Parvin. Funeral 
of 423 



Mather, Rachel C 299-320 

Character of her work 300 
Mauch Chunk, Visit to 

coal mines of 482 

Meeker, Wesley, Death of 109 
Meetings for discipline, 

Importance of attending 31 
Mekeel, William, Travels 

with J. S. Elkinton 459 

Mentioned 472 

Memorial of the Meeting 

for Sufferings, in 1896, 

against Military Drill.. 351-2 

Mennonites, Prospect of 

service among, by J. S. 

E ....236 

Doctrines and practices 

of 237-8 

Methodist ministers visted 
by J. S. E. in interest of 
address of Philadelphia 

Quarter 333 

Military training, Protest 
against, by Meeting for 

Sufferings 350 

Ministry, Anecdote to il- 
lustrate the need of 

faithfulness in 39 

Minute obtained by J. S. 
E. to visit meetings of 
Haddonfield Quarter ... 93 
Of Frankford Monthly 

Meeting 126 

To Ohio Yearly Meet- 
ing 160 

To parts of Maryland 

and Virginia 173 

For service in Exeter 

and Muncy 184 

Visit to Seneca In- 
dians and South- 
western New York. 209 
Obtained by J. S. E. 
for visiting families 
of Birmingham Mo. 

Mtg. 253 

For service in Xew 
England 286 



508 



INDEX 



To accompany Douk- 
h o b o r s to their 
Canadian homes . . . 398 
For service in North- 
ern New Jersey, etc. 424 
To visit Indians in 
New York, New 
England and Nova 

Scotia 452 

For service in limits 
of Goshen Meeting 
and in mining dis- 
tricts of Pa 477 

Montizambert, Dr. ...386, 

389, 399, 404 
Morgan, William B., Let- 
ter from, in relation to 

"±he Friend" 243 

Moreland, Helen, goes to 
teach Doukhobor chil- 
dren 444 

Morris, Rachel 3 

Morris, Samuel. .. .74, 163, 

168, 353, 378 
Mount Pleasant, John, 

(Tuscarora Indian) .... 68 
Murray, Ellen 311 

Naylor, Jacob 372 

Negroes of the South, 
Observations on, in 1865 63 

Newton, Thomas 136 

Newton, Mary 135 

New Year's Parade, Re- 
flections on 277, 446 

New York Yearly Meeting 
at Poughkeepsie, visited 

by J. S. E 283 

Nicholson, Lindsay, 

Funeral of 75 

Nicholson, Rebecca and 

Sarah 229 

Nicholson, Richard 134 

Nitobe, Inazo, marriage 

with Mary Elkinton 266 

Nitobe, Mary (Elkinton), 
Returns to America on 
visit 284 



No-Heart, Abraham (Da- 
kota Indian), Letter 
from, explaining Indian 
religion 266 

Norway, Address to 
Friends in 449-452 

Nova Scotia Indians, Ob- 
servations on 465-9 

Nutt, Sarah, Death of.... 157-8 

Ohio Yearly Meeting, Visit 
to, by J. S. E., in 1878.. 161 

Oke, John James 469 

Onesakenrat, Joseph (In- 
dian chief), Letter to... 181 
Death of 183 

Overholzer, Isaac 238 

Parents and children, Con- 
cern of J. S. E. in rela- 
tion to 245 

Passmore, Benjamin W... 257 

Death of 371 

Passmore, Sarah W., mar- 
riage to Joseph Elkinton 208 
Pastorius, Francis Daniel, 

and slavery 368 

Patterson, Faith 222 

Patterson, George 281 

Patterson, Malinda, visits 

Philadelphia 24 

Marriage to J. S. El- 
kinton 29 

Patterson, Mahlon 222 

Patterson, Mary 29 

Patterson, Rachel, Death 

of 95 

Patterson, Rachel E., Let- 
ter to 19 

At North Meeting 129 

Ministry at her hus- 
band's funeral 179 

Serious accident to... 200 
Mention of ..231, 250, 

257, 277 
Last illness and death, 

289-291 
Patterson, Tilman, Death 
of 179 



INDEX 



509 



Patterson, Tilman (Jr.).. 180 
Patterson, William (Sen- 
eca Indian) 190 

Payne. D. A. (Bishop)... 281 
Pedley, Frank (superin- 
tendent Canadian Rv.), 

5, 399 
Petersburg, Ya., visited by 

J. S. E.. '. 63 

Pickard, Daniel, visits 

America 94 

Mention of. ..134, 136. 

139, 141. 142. 143 
Pickard. Eliza. ... 137, 139, 

140, 142 

Pickard. Lucy 135 

Pierce. James 165 

Pierce, James (Seneca 

Indian) 86 

Pierce, King 165 

Pitfield. Elizabeth 28 

Pratt, Hodgson (of Eng- 
land), on Universal 

Peace 358 

Prepelkoft, Ivan (Douk- 

hobor) 440 

Princess Ann, Md., Expe- 
riences among prisoners 

in the jail 271 

Pullman, George, assistant 
to Clara Barton at Sea 
Islands 301 

Quay. Matthew S., visited 

by J. S. E 447 

Queries. Importance of... 240 

Randall, Samuel J., assists 
J. S. E. in tariff matter 

at Washington 71 

Letter to, by J. S. E.. 246 

Red Cross Association 
work at Sea Islands un- 
der Clara Barton. .. .301-307 

Religion in the United 
States, Conference in re- 
lation to 262 

"Returning Minutes," from 
Xew England meetings. 287 



Rhoads. Charles, Letter to. 
from J. S. E.. after death 

of Joseph Elkinton 81 

Mention of... 242, 248, 

327, 348, 378, 412 

Death of 447 

Rhoads. Deborah 209. 258 

Rhoads, Eleanor, marriage 
with William T. Elkin- 
ton 229 

Rhoads, James E. .163. 165. 

167, 169, 203, 331 

Rhoads. Jonathan E.. 203, 

204, 217, 218. 230, 266, 

276, 278, 345, 346, 353, 

358, 359. 364. 373. 380, 

419, 427, 463, 478, 486 
E x t e n s ive religious 
service in Delaware 
and Maryland ...267-274 
Letter to Jos. S. El- 
kinton 278-9 

Visits Doukhobors 

with J. S. E 413-9 

Unites with J. S. E. in 
religious service in 
Northern Xew Jer- 
sey, etc 424 

Rhoads, Joseph, visits fam- 
i 1 i e s of Birmingham 
Monthly Meeting with I. 

S. E. 253, 254 

Richmond, Ya., visited bv 

J. S. E 63 

River Brethren. Experi- 
ences among 251 

Roaring Creek, Meeting at 186 

Roberts, Esther 231 

Roberts, Hiram, Funeral 

of 479 

Roberts, Jacob, accompa- 
nies J. S. E. to Ohio 

Yearly Meeting 161 

Roberts, Phebe 290 

Roman Catholics, attitude 
toward appointed meet- 
ing of Friends 327 

Roosevelt. Theodore. In- 
terview with, by J. S. E. 447 



510 



INDEX 



Ryan, Patrick John (Arch- 
bishop) 333 

Salem Quarterly Meeting, 
Ohio, visited by J. S. E., 

170-171 
Salisbury, Del., experiences 
at public meetings there, 

269, 270 
Sawyer, Henry, Civil War 

experiences 207 

Scattergood, George J. 159, 
160, 175, 182, 210, 214, 

216, 261, 331, 490 
Delivers Gospel tem- 
perance sermon .... 216 

Scattergood, Joseph 41, 

42, 65, 73, 74 
Hurried visit to Wash- 
ington 122 

Death of 262 

Scattergood, Thomas, 

Anecdote of 34 

Scattergood, William, Let- 
ter to, by J. S. E.... 78, 79-80 

Scotton, Robert 7, 23 

Sea Islands, visited by J. 
S. Elkinton and Wm. 

Evans 293-326 

Xature and cause of 
the disaster (note) 293-4 

Sellew, C. Virginia 327 

Sellew, Edwin P. and C. 

Virginia, Letter to 192-3 

Sellew, Edwin P.. 331, 332, 

335, 348 
Seneca Indians, Land 

Troubles .....122, 210 

Improvement in use of 
English language. . .453-4 
Senega Root, a product of 

Doukhobor industry .... 417 
Seward, William H., be- 
friends Seneca Indians.. 458 
Sewel's History, how one 

copy was useful 27 

Sharpless, Enos, Funeral 
of 72 



Sharpless, Enos and Han- 
nah 8 

Sharpless, Xathan 5 

Sheppard. Clarkson.93, 119, 

124, 199, 209, 254, 290 

Death of 344 

Shillitoe, Thomas, Anec- 
dote of 30 

Shinn, Samuel E. 

Death of, by drowning 21 

Smart, James 386, 442 

Smith, Ephraim, married 

to Sarah Elkinton 76 

Xote concerning 119 

Mention of... 285, 331, 

346, 353, 486 
Goes to England with 
Jonathan E. Rhoads 345 
Smith, Evan, religious op- 
portunity at house of. 170 
Smith, Gideon, neighbor- 
hood visited 173 

Smith, Hannah (Tyler), 

Funeral of 177 

Her family connec- 
tions 177 

Smith, Louisa 226 

Smith, Sarah (Elkinton), 

Sickness and death of. 421 

Snowdon, Joseph 34 

Snow Hill, N. J., Experi- 
ences of J. S. E. at ap- 
pointed meeting 94 

Solomon, Alexander 470 

Solomon, Mitchell (St. 

Regis Indian) 68 

Southern District Meeting, 
Laying down first con- 
sidered 118 

Authorized by Phila- 
delphia Quarter 120 

Formally attached to 

Arch Street 121 

Special Providences, Some 

instances related 109, 154 

Stanton, Edwin M., Secre- 
tary of War, Letter from 57 

Stewardson, Thomas 34 

Stokes, John S 72, 180 



INDEX 



oil 



Death of 283 

Stokes, Dr. Newlin, At- "^ 
tends Rachel E. Patter- 
son OQQ 

Stratton, Dillivyn, " a es 
with J. S. E. to D?uk- 
nobor country 43? 4 

Stratton, Hannah, visits 
Eastern Penitentiary.. ?19 

Stratton, Joseph, Letter to,' 

Strawbridge, Justus C 367 



Vail, Abigail 32 7 

\ ail, Benjamin... 285, '328, 331 
\ engin. Xastasia (mother 

of Peter Verigin) . . .416, 437 
\erigin, Peter 415' 433 

Wagner Charles, guest of 
J- o. E 



486 



W allace, Susan 131 



Walton. marriage 



149 



w V /, th A l fred E lkinton. & 221-2 

s r ds^ g ; K soiou™ Sft J X h ,- a rwe S - t : ^ 

Stuart Edwin s!/ 'visited 

>iC b - v /• S. E 275 

Sunday Breakfast" Asso- 



5-6 



ciation 



347 



Swarthmore .Meeting and 
Hall visited 137 

Sykes, John, visits Ameri- 
lca 94 

Tamaqua, Pa., Visit to... 482 
Tatum, William .. $3 

Thomas, James Carev, and 

177 



wife 



Thomasson, Joseph .... 486 
Thompson, Francis (of 

England) 13? 

Thompson, Jabez § 

Ihompson, Josiah ....134 153 
1 hompson, Sarah ... ' ? 

t c Barton - goes with 
J- s. E. to visit Gov- 

ToUtn! %* XeW J ers ^-.. 373 
JoJstoi, Sergius 304 

Townsend, William P. 202, 

Tunesassa, visited by'E* 
Dean and J. S. E.... ' ion 
Visit by J. s> E and 

G. J. S 212 

Destroyed by fire.. 224-7 

^J* J- s - E. and 

Zebedee Haines ... 453 
1 urnpenny. Joseph .... ?o 
Tuscarora Indian Resent 
tion, Meeting at 455 



.. est- 
town 

Accompanies j. si ' E. 
on sea voyage to 
-Honda . 09 

Writes to J." S.'E'.'in ~ 

-England 143 

Companion in visit 'to 

Iowa and Ohio.. 170 
\ isits Indians of Can- 
ada jg^ 

Labors with J. S 'e 

among Mennonites..' 236 
-Mention oi. . . .235, 240 

wait™ Ar c 284 ' 288 > 3 °7 
wa ton, Mary S 3 ? 7 

\vln ?v m ^, eI and Sar ah 222 

^ arner, Charles, accom- 
P r esJ.S. E . toBos _ 

garner, Vardley ... 61 

\\ arrington, Hannah . . ." ' 61 
Harrington. Seth, accom- 

Weeks, Abram and Esther, 
Letter to, by J. S. E ' 101 

ScLo, Ch / Ster Xorm ^ 
School, Appointed meet- 
Western District Meeting.' % 
^ est Philadelphia Meet- 
'ng House authorized P2 
Meeting considered . 159 
Meeting formally 



opened 



161 



512 



INDEX 



Wheeler, Daniel, visit to 
Russia in 1818 remem- 
bered by aged Douk- 

hobor 390, 415 

White, Dr. Richard 134 

White, Thomas Lory. .. .470-1 
White, William T. (Cana- 
dian Immigration Agent), 

386, 393, 395 
Whittier, J. G., his home, 

visited by J. S. E 282 

Williams, Charles 61 

Willits, Charles L., Fund, 

223. 412 
Wilson, John A. B. } and 
Casey, J. C, Presbyters 
of Del., who assisted 

visiting Friends 268 

Wilson, Sarah (of Eng- 
land) 140 



Wistar, Thomas ... .65, 85, 103 

Wood, Abigail 200 

Wood, Henry.... 173, 174, 

175, 176, 180 

Wood, Dr. Stephen 194 

Woodward, Mary 3 

Woolman, John, and slav- 
ery 368 

Worth, Ebenezer ... .8, 65, 85 

Anecdote of 202 

Wrightsville, Bucks Co., 
Appointed meeting at... 366 

Yarnall, Thomas 100 

Yearly Meetings' Commit- 
tee of 1872, Service on.. 118 
Yellowblanket, Moses, 

( Seneca Indian) 259 

Zook, Elhanan 204, 364 



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